Student Code of Conduct

 

Student Code of Conduct

The College of Southern Idaho and the surrounding community expect all students and employees to practice high levels of academic and professional honesty and integrity. Each member of the College community is obligated to assume responsibility for his or her own personal freedom and obligations. The College will enforce a high level of personal conduct to create and maintain a learning environment in which the rights, privileges, property, and self-worth of every individual in the College community are preserved. The College must and will enforce appropriate action when a member(s) conduct places the welfare of any person in jeopardy.

The Student Code of Conduct governs the behavior of our student body and is for your use as a knowledgeable member of that body. The code illustrates the rules, regulations, procedures, policies, and standards of conduct that safeguard the College community’s functions and protect the campus community, and provide the best possible learning and living environment to all students.

The College has primary interest concerning:

  1. Matters that ignore high standards of academic and professional honesty and integrity.
  2. Conduct that infringes upon the rights, privileges, and property of other members of the College community and visitors.
  3. Behavior or actions that would conflict with College functions or endanger the health, safety, and welfare of other persons.
  4. The College’s obligation to support and be guided by the regulations pro- vided by the College Board of Trustees and the laws of the local, state, and federal government.

Authority and Responsibility

Daily responsibility of behavior and actions lies within the individual student. Each member of the College of Southern Idaho is expected to use sound judgment in their daily campus experiences and to express due concern for the property, privileges, and rights of the others. The ultimate responsibility to enforce the Student Code of Conduct rests with the President of the College of Southern Idaho. The President may delegate responsibility for administration of the disciplinary system to the Dean of Students or other designee. The President and/or his designee may delegate responsibility to various judicial committees, administrators and staff. All decisions made through judicial process are subject to review and approval by the President or his designee.

CSI has established specific personal and organizational standards, policies, and procedures that promote a community free from physical violence, force, abuse, and threat. Violations of these standards are ground for judicial review and disciplinary actions. The College recognizes the control of student conduct is imposed by the entire community; therefore, when students are charged with violations of the law, the college will fully cooperate with law enforcement, courts, and rehabilitation processes. The College also reserves the right to enforce further disciplinary actions in addition to those of law enforcement agencies. The College does not assume parental responsibilities for the conduct of students.

What Can You Do?

Report the harassment to your supervisor, the Dean of Human Resources or the Dean of Students.
If the offender is your supervisor, report to the next level of authority. Keep working your way up to the chain of command until someone listens to you.
Tell Somebody.
Co-workers or fellow students should support each other against harassing behavior. Report the behavior to CSI Administration as soon as possible.

Whom to Contact:

A student may contact:

An employee may contact:

Student Misconduct

Academic Dishonesty
Students are expected to be honest in all aspects of their college education. All work is evaluated on the assumption that the work presented is the student’s own. The College functions to promote the cognitive and psychosocial development of all students. Therefore, all work submitted is to be a representation of students own ideas, concepts, and understanding. Anything less is unacceptable and is subject to initial disciplinary action. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:?cheating, plagiarism, submitting portions of the same academic course work to one or more courses for credit without prior permission of the instructor.

Cheating is defined as the improper use of books, notes, other student’s test, or other aids during an examination, including:

  1. Copying from another individual’s examination or other coursework.
  2. Use or possession of unauthorized materials during an examination.
  3. Obtaining assistance from another person while taking the examination, with or without his or her consent.
  4. Using, buying or selling unauthorized duplicates of an examination or com- puter program.
  5. Substituting for student or permitting another student to take an examina- tion for self.
  6. Altering, destroying, or failure to return an examination or other course work as required.

Plagiarism defined as submission or presentation of an individuals’ assignment or work as one’s own in which any portions are paraphrased without documentation or are identical to published or unpublished material from another source. Misrepresentation defined as falsifying information, included but is not limited to:

  1. Having another student or individual attend for oneself in situations where one’s attendance and or performance is required
  2. Presenting false academic qualifications
  3. Forging or using another individuals signature

Computer Offenses
Deliberately or consciously disregarding College policy concerning the use of college computing resources; including giving out passwords or other confidential information concerning the computer or network security system without authorizing consent.

Children in Classrooms and Labs
Students are strongly discouraged to bring children into classrooms and it should be the final resort on a short term basis. Students must consult and have prior approval from faculty before bringing a child into the classroom. The faculty member has the right to refuse, or to rescind his or her decision at anytime, even if the instructor initially consented.
Children are only allowed in the classroom if accompanied by the parent or guardian. Children in classrooms are required to display the appropriate and non-disruptive behavior for the classroom environment.

Disorderly Conduct
Any conduct that disrupts or is offensive to the scholastic and communal atmosphere of the College on College property or at College sponsored or supervised events, or infringes upon the rights of other individuals is a violation of this code.

Disregard for Authority
All students are expected to respond to sensible instructions and direction from College advisors and faculty.

Misuse of Alcohol or Drugs
The College recognizes the health risks, costs associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol, and the distractions that drugs and alcohol impose on the educational pursuits of a student. Therefore, the College has strict policies concerning the purchase, sale, use, possession, or consumption of beer, wine or any other intoxication liquor. The College of Southern Idaho prohibits drugs and alcohol on campus property, training sites, or at all College activities on or off campus. Students who become intoxicated off campus and are involved in CSI sponsored events will be accountable to local law enforcement and also fall under CSI’s Student Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Family members will be notified in the event the situation is warranted by the Dean of Students or any person designated by the Dean. The investigation, prosecuting, and disciplinary roles relating to illegal drug and alcohol use are the responsibility of the College and law enforcement authorities.
In addition, CSI has adopted and implemented an alcohol and drug prevention program. As part of the federal regulations, CSI is required to annually provide policy and prevention information to all students both new and prospective.
For information regarding policy, as well as process of violations, contact the Student Activities Office (208) 732-6221.
The Board of Trustees authorizes the President of CSI or his designee to permit the presence of alcohol at an off-campus CSI sponsored event when, in his discretion, it is appropriate. This alcohol policy does not apply to the College of Southern Idaho Foundation.
This policy is subject to change at any time, as CSI’s administration may deem necessary for the protection of person or property.

Campus Disruptions and Violence
Any act of violence or intimidation, any seizing of any portion of property, or any unauthorized activity which prevents the normal operations of the College in any way by any individual or group will be considered in direct opposition to the necessary operation of the College. Action will be taken immediately, including probability of expulsion, regardless of the number of individuals involved.

Firearms, Explosives, and Weapons
Possession of firearms, explosives, and weapons is strictly prohibited at the College of Southern Idaho, except for authorized law enforcement offices, individuals who are under the supervision of law enforcement officers, and individuals exempt under the Idaho State law. Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension, expulsion, or termination from the College of Southern Idaho and prosecution under the appropriate State laws.

Gambling
The College of Southern Idaho prohibits gambling of any form at the College or College sponsored events.

Destruction of Property
Intentionally or recklessly damaging, destroying, defacing, or tampering with the property of the College or the property of another person or entity.

Disruption of Peace
Knowingly disrupting the peace of the College academic environment, including, but not limited to, disorderly conduct, failure to comply with order to disperse, fighting, quarreling, and/or being intoxicated.

Inappropriate Dress
Students are expected to dress appropriately and to use tasteful judgement when choosing clothing attire. Students are also expected to dress appropriately for the given class and activity. For example: no shorts or open toed shoes in lab settings. Regulations prohibit any individual from entering any campus building barefoot.

Fraud
The College of Southern Idaho strictly prohibits altering, misusing, or falsifying any College document or record, or knowingly giving false information to any recognized official or committee with the intent to deceive obstructs justice in any way.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited inside all College buildings and College owned vehicles.

Tampering with Emergency Equipment and/or False Report of Emergency
Deliberately setting off a fire alarm, knowingly causing, making, or circulating a false report, warning, fire, explosion, crime or any other emergency is unacceptable behavior and will be confronted and dealt with immediately.

False Charges/Statement
Intentionally making false charges or allegations including testimony at College judicial hearings, law enforcement reports or questioning, or misconduct in classroom situations.

Sexual Assault
The College of Southern Idaho is in compliance with State laws concerning sexual assault. Sexual assault is defined as any forced sexual contact including, but not limited to:acquaintance/date rape or unwanted touching or fondling. Any non consented advance is intolerable and may result in expulsion, termination, as well as any other State enforced justice.

Solicitation
Solicitation and sales by students and other members on campus is prohibited unless prior approval is granted by the Office of Student Activities. Distributing advertisement, resources, leaflets, flyers, or pamphlets or using audio equipment to promote sales on College premises without prior approval is prohibited.

General Harassment
The College is committed to maintaining an environment that fosters appropriate and respectful conduct and communication between all persons within College community. Specific types of conduct that constitute harassment towards another person or group of people includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Unwelcome comments or other conduct that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates and intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for the student(s) or faculty.
  2. Retaliation against any person filing a conduct complaint or against any person cooperating as a witness.

Malicious Treatment and/or Hazing
The College does not approve of any form of hazing. There are not justifiable reasons to partake in the humiliation, violation, actions or threats that subject another pose, or consent from any individual.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the College campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual or student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students at the educational institution.

These actions include, but are not limited to:

  • Any activity that includes conditions or requires the student to perform a duty or task which involves a violation of the law.
  • Any type of activities involving the consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverages, drugs, sleep deprivation, or any other activities that exposes the student to an unreasonable risk of harm that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
  • Abusing authority of one’s class rank or leadership position
  • Using any form of physical bondage
  • Taking another to an outlying area and deserting them
  • Knowledge of an occurrence of this type has taken place and failing to report it to appropriate
  • College officials or public safety officials.

Trespass or Unauthorized Entry or Use
The College prohibits unauthorized entry, trespass, use, or forcible entry of College facility and/or property.

Theft of Vandalism
The College prohibits theft, abuse, or defacement of the property of the College or any person or entity.

Violation of Probation
Any student facing disciplinary action may be placed on probation. If a student is cited with probation and fails to comply with the conditions of his or her probation, then the student is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will potentially face other disciplinary actions which may include suspension or dismissal.

Reporting Student Misconduct

Any member of the College community including students, faculty, staff, and visitors may make allegation(s) of student misconduct where alleged misconduct occurs within or outside of the College boundaries. All charges must be prepared in writing and referred to the Office of Student Activities, specifically the Dean of Students or any delegated official, for review. The allegations must be submitted within 10 days of the incident, excluding weekends and holidays.

The Dean of Students will review the charges and then give written notice* to the accused individual(s) of misconduct and will ask the student to meet with him or her. The charges against the student will be read and explained to him or her. He or she will also be given a copy of the Student Code of Conduct and the charges; he or he will also be informed of any names of witnesses and given a summary of their testimony. The student will be given an opportunity to present his or her defense.

*The written notice will include the description of acts, the date, the approximate time, the location if known, and a summary of the information upon which charges are based. The Dean of Students will attempt to resolve the problem at this first step.

The Dean of Students, or his designee, will then schedule a preliminary meeting in order to rule on the charges and determine whether further proceedings or hearing should take place. During this hearing the Dean of Students, or his designee, may recommend appropriate sanctions. The accused student will then be allowed to either accept suggested sanctions or request a hearing before the Disciplinary Committee. The students’s decision must be reported to the Dean of Students, or his designee, within ten days of receiving written notice of the Dean’s decision.

If the student appeals to the Disciplinary Committee, the hearing shall be scheduled no more than fifteen days, excluding weekends and holidays, after the request of the accused student.
The Disciplinary Committee shall conduct hearings following these guidelines:

  • Hearings are to be conducted in confidentiality
  • Witnesses are strongly encouraged to be present for hearings
  • Relevant records exhibits and written statements may be accepted as evidence.
  • When more than one student is involved in an allegation of misconduct, any involved student may request a separate hearing.
  • If the student, faculty, or member of the staff chooses not to attend the hearing, his or her written statements shall be reviewed and a decision made based on this information.
  • Hearings shall be tape recorded.

The hearing is not intended to be a harsh environment or process. The student has the right to be accompanied at the judicial hearing by an advocate of his or her choice including legal counsel. However, should the student choose to be accompanied by legal counsel, the student is still required to account for his or her self and must personally present his or her evidence and position. Should the student choose to bring legal counsel, the College’s legal counsel may also be present.
The student has the right to provide evidence and witnesses supporting his or her case, all evidence and witnesses pertaining or relevant to the case will be considered.
After discussion, the Disciplinary Committee will recommend appropriate sanctions to the President, or his designee, who may then accept the recommendations and take action or may revise the recommendation according to his or her discretion. The written findings of the Committee, with its recommendations, will be given to all concerned parties.

Sanctions
Students found to be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct are subject the College sanctions. Sanctions shall be imposed in accordance to the severity of the misconduct. In all cases, the College of Southern Idaho shall reserve the right to require counseling and/ore testing of students as seemed appropriate.

The Disciplinary Committee, Dean of Students, or his designee, and the President reserve the right to include one or more of the following sanctions listed below.

  • Written Reprimand: An official notice in writing to the student that he or she has violated the Student Code of Conduct.
  • Probation: A written reprimand for the violation of the Student Code of Conduct. It is a designated time period that includes the options for more severe disciplinary actions if student is found in violation of any College rules or regulations during the probation period.
  • Reduction of Privileges: Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time. 4. Restitution or Reimbursement: Compensation for any loss, damage, or injury incurred by the College or any member or College community.
  • Discretionary Sanctions: Including but not limited to education projects, work assignments, and community services.
  • Interim Suspension: A suspension of less than a term designed to prohibit the presence of the student on campus until the case is resolved. College officials impose an interim suspension prior to a hearing to insure the safe- ty of the student or members of the College or when the student poses a definite threat of disruption to the College, to him or her self, or to another College member.
  • Suspension from College: Student is withdrawn from all courses and divi- sions of the College. The student is prohibited from attending the College for a specific period of time. The student must be informed in writing of the effective suspension period, the assessed or approximate time period, and the reason the suspension is imposed.
  • Removal from Housing: Student is removed from student housing for a des- ignated time or permanent expulsion. Student must be informed in writing of the reason the suspension or expulsion is being imposed.
  • Expulsion from College: Permanently separated from the College. This action will be made part of the student’s permanent record. In the event of expulsion, a student may not be readmitted to any units of the College without the consent of the President of the College. The student must be informed in writing of the expulsion and the reason the expulsion is imposed.

Appeals
A student determined to have violated the Student Code of Conduct shall have the right to appeal. All appeals shall be filed in writing to the Dean of Students within ten days of receipt of the sanctions. The Dean of Student shall review the written appeal for one or more of the following purposes:

  1. Discovery of new information not available at the time of hearing.
  2. To determine whether or not the original hearing was conducted fairly in light of charges and evidence.
  3. To determine if the sanctions imposed were appropriate.

 

Emergency Action
The College of Southern Idaho President, or any designee, may take emergency action when immediately necessary to secure the health and safety of other persons or the student against who the action is taken and there is an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
Emergency Action includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Immediate withdrawal from the College2. Restriction of the accused students present on College property and/or College events
  2. At the time of the Emergency Action, the Dean of Students may request that the student secure a medical/psychological evaluation through the College affiliates or another facility at the student’s own expense
  3. The evaluation may be used to determine the appropriateness of withdrawing the emergency action.

At the time of Emergency Action the student will be informed of the reason for the emergency action. The student will have the opportunity to provide evidence supporting the reasons Emergency Action need not to be taken. However, decision is ultimately the right of the designated College member. The student will be informed of the time, place, and date of the preliminary hearing.

Based on the reasonable evaluation of the evidence presented at the preliminary hearing, the Dean of Students shall notify the accused student of the decision to:

  1. Dissolve the emergency action and take no further action
  2. Dissolve the emergency action but proceed to a full hearing
  3. Sustain the emergency action until time as a formal hearing regarding the accused student’s conduct may be held.

Disciplinary Committee

The Disciplinary Committee is a recommending body, which has no authority beyond the ability to make recommendations to the administration concerning problems (s) presented to the committee.
All members, other than the Dean of Students, are selected at the beginning of teach appeal process. members include two faculty member(s), two staff members, and tow College of Southern Idaho student(s) who are selected by the Student Senate.