Student Code of Conduct

1. Academic Dishonesty

Any initial act of Academic Dishonesty will be handled through the course syllabus by the faculty member and the Academic Dean. Any student who is found to have engaged in a repeated act of Academic Dishonesty even if in a different course or term, or an act of Academic Dishonesty that involves other students, will be considered in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The student will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for review. This may result in consequences ranging from disciplinary probation or suspension, up to and includes dismissal from the college.

WARNING: STUDENTS MAY NOT WITHDRAW FROM A CLASS TO AVOID A FAILING GRADE RECEIVED AS A RESULT OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY OR ANY SUBSTANTIATED ACCUSATION OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY.

Academic dishonesty including, but is not limited to, unauthorized use of aids, cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty in the classroom or other college environments, as defined below:

1a. Plagiarism - Taking the words or specific substance of another and either copying or paraphrasing the work without giving credit to the source. Submitting a term paper, examination or other work written by someone else. Submitting the same term paper, slightly altered paper, other work, or examination, for more than one course, whether in the same term or another term. This is self-plagiarism. Failure to give credit in a footnote for ideas, statements of facts or conclusions derived by another. Failure to use quotation marks when quoting directly from another person, whether it is a paragraph, a sentence or even a part thereof. Similar and extended paraphrasing of another. For more information to help you understand and recognize plagiarism, please refer to the Library Guide.

1b. Cheating - Using unauthorized notes, study aids, or information from another student or student’s paper on an in-class examination; altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for regrading; and allowing another person to do one’s work and to submit the work under one’s own name or otherwise not following the rules or instruction to gain an advantage. Unauthorized collaboration, the sharing of work or knowledge specific to the completion of a project, quiz, or examination without the permission or knowledge of the instructor, is also cheating. This includes collaboration on individual assignments using technology in all courses modes or sharing of assignment-specific information (such as quiz questions) with students in other sections of the same course.

1c. Fabrication - Presenting data in a piece of work not gathered in accordance with guidelines defining the appropriate methods for collecting or generating data and failing to include a substantially accurate account of the method by which the data were generated or collected.

1d. Aiding and Abetting Dishonesty - Providing material or information to another person with knowledge that these materials or information will be used improperly pursuant to 877.17, Fla. Stat. (2011).

2. Alcohol Misuse

Promotion, manufacture, distribution, sale, use, transfer, purchase, or delivery of alcoholic beverages for the purpose of involving persons under the legal drinking age, drunkenness or involving excessive consumption. Public intoxication on campus or at a college-related site or activity.

3. Arson

The intentional commission of an act that results in a fire being ignited that causes damage, or is intended to cause damage, to the property of the College or to the property of any other person.

4. Assault

Threatening bodily harm or discomfort to include but not limited to verbal, physical or written threats toward another individual.

5. Battery

Intentional touching or striking another against their will or committing an act or aiding in the commission of an act that causes bodily harm or discomfort to the person of another such as would constitute a battery.

6. Bribery

To persuade (someone) to act in one's favor, typically illegally or dishonestly, by a gift of money or other inducement.

7. Complicity

A student present during the commission of an act by another student that constitutes a violation of the Code of Conduct may also be charged if their subsequent behavior constitutes consent or condoning of the violation.

8. Computer Resources

The use of College Information Technology (IT) resources in violation of federal and state laws or regulations, College rules or policies or applicable contracts or licensing agreements. The use of IT resources to cause a disruption to the College environment or program or to interfere with the rights of others or College activities. A computer use violation may include, but is not limited to:

8a. Use for the violation of personal privacy or for the committing of crimes.

8b. Unauthorized access to or use of computer, computer system, network, software, or data.

8c. Unauthorized alteration of computer equipment software, network, or data.

8d. Unauthorized duplication or use of computer programs or files.

8e. Making unauthorized changes to a computer account or other deliberate action that disrupts the operation of computer systems serving other students or the College community in general.

8f. Posting, transmitting threatening, harassing, vulgar, or pornographic content to any chatrooms, bulletin boards, social networking sites or emails.

8g. Posting or transmitting any unsolicited email, advertisement, promotional materials, or any other forms of solicitation to students.

9. Conspiracy

Planning to commit a violation of the Code of Conduct or aiding, abetting, assisting, hiring, soliciting, or procuring another person to violate the Code of Conduct.

10. COVID-19 Protocol

Failure to comply with the COVID-19 Return to Campus Protocol including, but not limited to, failure to wear a facial covering while on campus, failure to practice social distancing, or other behavior that could compromise the health and safety of students, employees and/or visitors of Palm Beach State College.

11. Damage to Property

Accidental damage, vandalism, intentional damage to property belonging to the College or others may require restitution from persons responsible for such damage and/or disciplinary action.

12. Defamation

Verbal or written communication that unlawfully exposes any individual or group to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, and thereby injures the person, property, or reputation of another.

13. Disruption

Florida Statute § 877.13, 1006.61, and Board Policy 6Hx-18-3.35 provides that disruption of the campus environment of the institution is prohibited, including but not limited to:

13a. Deliberate or persistent disruption, obstruction, intimidation or repeated interruption of the learning environment, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other College activities that has the purpose and effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s program or activity. This includes inappropriate use of email, mobile applications, social media, cell phones, laptops, or other electronic devices.

13b. Disorderly, lewd, or obscene conduct or language on campus or at any College-sponsored or College-supervised activity. This includes the sending of harassing, lewd, or obscene messages or images that have the purpose and effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s program or activity.

13c. Wearing styles or articles of clothing or accessories that cause undue disruption of the learning environment, or intimidation of others in the learning environment, or have the purpose and effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s program or activity.

13d. Behavior that is so distracting that it is difficult or impossible to conduct a class, a meeting, College environment or any other College-sponsored event.

13e. Congregating in such a fashion as to create a situation that could endanger life or property.

13f. Physical violence or abuse of any person or College-owned or controlled property, or at college sponsored or supervised functions, or conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.

13g. Deliberate interference with academic freedom and freedom of speech, including not only disruption of a class, but also interference with the freedom of any speaker on campus to express their views.

13h. Forcible interference with the freedom of movement at the College. Blocking of entry ways to buildings, rooms, or sections of buildings, or of hallways, or stairways, in such fashion that people find it difficult or impossible to pass. A breach of peace is any conduct or expression on college-owned or College-controlled property or at college-sponsored events that disrupts the orderly functioning of the College, or which is lewd, indecent, or obscene is prohibited.

13i. Blocking of vehicular traffic.

13j. Solicitation, incitement, or coercion to commit any of the articles of disruption outlined in the codes 12a-12i.

14. Dress Standard Violation

Noncompliance with standards of dress established for safety or health reasons.

15. Extortion

Threatening to expose another to disgrace, with the intent to extort money or other benefit(s).

16. Failure to Obey Reasonable Order of College Official(s)

Failure to respond to a request by a college official (or College affiliate) for identification or failure to obey a written or verbal request/order by a college official.

17. Falsification of Records

17a. Misuse of College documents, forging, transferring, altering, or otherwise misusing a document, receipt, PantherCard, other identification, or any other College document or record.

17b. Presenting any form of falsified documentation or identification.

17c. Making false statements including, but not limited to, the application for admission to the College or College program(s), Financial Aid, petitions, requests, or other official College documents of records; forgery of “add” or “drop” processes or action on other College records or documents, whether by use of computer or other means of communication.

17d. Contracting in the name of Palm Beach State or claiming, allowing, or giving the impression that a student is acting under the authority of college administration or otherwise officially represents the College for any purpose.

17e. Making a known false report to college faculty, administration, or campus security.

17f. Altering documents affecting academic records; forging a signature of authorization or falsifying information on an official academic document, election form, grade report, letter of permission, petition, or any document designed to meet or exempt a student from an established College academic regulation.

WARNING: FALSIFICATION OF ANY APPLICATION SHALL SUBJECT THE STUDENT TO IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL WITH NO REFUND.

18. Fraud

Deception or misrepresentation deliberately practiced for unlawful gain or unjust advantage.

19. Gambling

Florida Chapter 849.08 (2014) - Whoever plays or engages in any game at cards, keno, roulette, faro or other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatever, for money or other thing of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in Fla. Sta. 775.082 (2014) or Fla. Sta. 775.083 (2011). Florida Chapter 849.0935 (2011) Charitable, nonprofit organizations; drawings by chance; required disclosures; unlawful acts and practices; penalties. Additionally, the organization must be in compliance with Chapter 496.

20. Harassment and Discrimination

Per Board Policy 6Hx–18–5.86, Harassment is defined as any unwelcome conduct or request for favors verbal or physical conduct or any action based on an individual’s race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or pregnancy status that adversely affects an individual’s educational or employment opportunities. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s employment (or the student’s educational experience) by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

20a. Any act or failure to act that is based upon an individual or group’s actual or perceived status (race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy status, or other protected status) that is sufficiently severe that it limits or denies the ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s educational environment, program, or activities.

20b. Harassment is any unwelcome conduct based on actual or perceived status including race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy status, or other protected status.

20c. Hostile environment is behavior that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, persistent and/or offensive that interferes with limits or denies the ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s educational environment.

20d. Retaliatory discrimination or harassment is any intentional, adverse action against a student.

20e. Intimidation and bullying are behaviors that are repeated and/or severely aggressive and threatening to intentionally hurt, control or adversely impact another person.

21. Hazardous, Biological or Other Substances

Bringing onto or disposing of hazardous, biological, or other substances on or within any of the College’s property that will threaten or affect the health, safety, and welfare of the people at the College.

22. Hazing

As outlined below and in Fla. Stat. 1006.63; is prohibited. The term “hazing” means any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to:

1. Initiation, admission, or affiliation into any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution;
2. The perpetuation or furtherance of a tradition or ritual of any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.

The term “Hazing” includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law; any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student; or any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student.

23. Illegal Drugs and Narcotics

Under Florida Statute, Chapter 893, no person may possess, sell, or deliver controlled substances unless dispensed and used pursuant to prescription or otherwise authorized by law. The use of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription and other drugs that pose threat to the physical and mental well-being of the students, faculty and staff at the College include:

23a. Possession, promotion, manufacture, distribution, sale, use, transfer, purchase, or delivery of drugs (including drugs not prescribed for the user).

23b. Possession of drug paraphernalia or any other item that could potentially contain or does contain illegal residue.

23c. Being under the influence on campus or at a college sponsored or related activity.

24. Interference with Conduct Proceedings

Noncompliance with the Student Conduct Process including, but not limited to

24a. Failure to appear before and cooperate with the Dean/Assistant Dean of Student Services, Conduct Committee, and/or other College officials when requested to do so.

24b. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information during the course of the conduct process or before a Conduct Committee.

24c. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a conduct hearing.

24d. Knowingly making false accusations of student misconduct without cause.

24e. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the student conduct system.

24f. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a Conduct Committee, any party involved with the proceedings prior to, during, and/or after a conduct hearing.

24g. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code of Conduct.

24h. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the student conduct system.

25. Misuse of Mail Services

Inappropriate use of college mail, email, social media, or voicemail services.

26. Parking and Traffic Violation

Failure to comply with parking and traffic regulations.

27. Prior Disciplinary Sanctions or Warnings

Violation of any of the restrictions, conditions or terms of a prior sanction that resulted from a prior disciplinary action.

28. Public Endangerment

Behavior or activities that intentionally or unintentionally endanger the safety of oneself or others, or reckless injury or harm to persons, property or reputation including, but not limited to, riding bicycles, scooters, electrically motorized devices (e.g., hoverboard), skateboards or inline skates in hallways or on walkways.

29. Retaliation

Intimidating, threatening, coercing, or discriminating against an individual for making a complaint, testifying, assisting, or participating in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing.

30. Sexual Misconduct (Non-Title IX Offenses)

30a. Sexual Battery - non-consensual sexual penetration by another or other, by union of sexual organ or another object.

30b. Domestic Violence - any assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.

30c. Dating Violence - violence between individuals who have currently, or have had in the past, a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the consideration of all the following factors: A dating relationship must have existed within the past 6 months.

30d. Stalking - a person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person commits the offense of stalking under Florida law 784.048 (2019). Engaging in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose.

30e. Voyeurism - watching someone in a private act without their knowledge or permission.

30f. Indecent Exposure - showing one’s genitals, naked body, or masturbating in public.

31. Smoking and Tobacco Use (includes e-cigarettes, vaping and hookah)

Smoking in any enclosed facility or building on campus or in college vehicles or where otherwise posted, is prohibited. Smoking in areas other than those specifically designated by the campus, is prohibited.

32. Theft

Attempted or actual theft of college property or personal or public property including, but not limited to, the theft of textbooks, exams/tests, library or media materials and parking decals. Possession or sale of stolen items.

33. Threats

Verbal or written communication that threatens injury to the person, property, or reputation of another.

34. Title IX Offenses

34a. Unwelcome contact that a reasonable person would determine is “so severe, pervasive, and objectionably offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to education as measured against the access of a person who has not been subjected to sexual harassment”.

34b. Sexual Assault as defined in the Clery Act 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v)

34c. Domestic Violence as defined in the VAWA Act; 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8)

34d. Dating Violence and as defined in the VAWA Act; 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10)

34e. Stalking as defined in the VAWA Act; and 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30)

35. Unauthorized Use of College Property or Unauthorized Presence

35a. Use of College property or property of members of the College community or College affiliates without prior expressed approval by college or affiliate personnel or in violation of any section of the Code.

35b. Forcible entry into a building or other premise.

35c. Tampering with fire and safety equipment.

35d. Fraudulent and/or unauthorized use of the College name, logo, seal, nickname, slogan, mascot, or any registered service mark of the College.

35e. Violation of an official College or campus restriction or trespass order or court order related to a student, faculty/instructor, or member of the College community.

35f. The unauthorized use of, or entry into, any College facilities (i.e., classrooms, laboratories, athletic fields), whether by force or not, is prohibited.

35g. Unauthorized possession of or duplication of college keys.

35h. Presence in or failure to leave a marked or noticed unauthorized area of a building or other unauthorized premise when asked.

36. Unauthorized Use of Voice and Video Recording

Using any device to make an audio or video recording of any person without their prior knowledge and expressed consent, and/or publishing the recording. Except where permitted by law.

37. Violation of Law, Rule or Mandate

Students are expected to adhere to all federal, state, and local laws and, in addition, must abide by the policy, rules and regulations of the College. A student violating the Code of Conduct will be subject to the College conduct processes. Criminal offenses may result in both criminal prosecution and referral to the conduct procedure. Charge, arrest, or conviction of any municipal, state, or federal law, rule or mandate involving violence, threat of violence, weapons, criminal mischief, and/or possession, use, or sale of a controlled substance.

38. Weapons

Possession or use of firearms, fireworks, dangerous weapons, or possession of chemicals on college property or at a college-sponsored activity without written authorization by an appropriate College official is expressly forbidden, except as provided by Florida law. Dangerous weapons may include, but are not limited to, knives, firearms, objects that resemble or can be construed as a weapon, explosives, illegal Tasers, or any other item that may cause bodily injury or damage to an individual or property. Students in possession of a firearm on campus or at a college-sponsored activity, except as provided by Florida law, will be automatically dismissed.