Conduct Sanctions

Sanctions are disciplinary consequences imposed on students who have been found responsible for student conduct violations. The College hopes that all students sanctioned will learn from their experience and become better community members because of it. Sanctions could vary based on prior misconduct/behavior, mitigating and aggravating factors and whether the student is currently on probation.

Sanctions are categorized into three levels – Level I, Level II, and Level III. This section provides an overview of possible sanctions and their descriptions.

Sanctions that may be imposed by the College include, but are not limited to:

Level I Sanctions

Written Warning – written notice that the student’s behavior is inappropriate, and further problems will result in more permanent and formal sanctions.

Behavioral Contract – a written and signed agreement between the student and the College related to student’s behavioral expectation.

College/Community Service – required completion of a specified number of hours of service to the campus or general community.

Reflection Essay – required 250-word essay acknowledging responsibility for the violation, an understanding of the harm caused and what you intend to differently in the future.

Letter of Apology – written by the responding party addressing the harm caused to the reporting party, what has been learned by the responding party and what they will do differently in the future.

Academic or Personal Development Training – required attendance at educational programs, meeting with appropriate officials, written research assignments, planning, and implementing educational programs, or other educational activities at the student’s own expense.

Counseling Assessment – written notification requires assessment by the College Counseling Center.

Restitution – compensation for code of conduct violations involving damage to, destruction of, theft, or misappropriation of property.

Level II Sanctions may also include Level I

Disciplinary Probation – notice that the student’s behavior is in violation of this Code. Further conduct violation(s) may result in suspension or dismissal.

Course Reassignment/Removal – formal enrollment action in response to behavioral, safety, or security concerns.

Grade Change – a grade of “F” may be assigned in the case of academic integrity/dishonesty violation. Students may not withdraw from a class to avoid a failing grade as a result of such a violation.

Parental/Guardian Notification – verbal notification for drug or alcohol use or violations involving weapons, where appropriate and for students under 21.

Random Drug Testing – based on program of study and/or repeated violation at the student’s expense.

Restriction/Loss of Privileges – temporary or permanent loss of privileges, including, but not limited to the use of a particular College facility, parking, resources, or equipment.

Level III Sanctions may also include Level I and II

Suspension – leave of absence from the College for a period of time as specified in the sanctions, which will include any conditions which must be met before re-enrollment. Includes student organization suspension.

Revocation of Admission – admission to PBSC may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of PBSC standards in obtaining the degree or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.

Dismissal – permanent separation from the College and any College program. A student who has been dismissed is barred from enrolling at, or visiting, any of the campuses of Palm Beach State College or participating in any College activity.

Academic Record Penalty – (related to Academic Dishonesty only) denial of academic credit as a result of suspension or dismissal. Invalidation of a degree based upon denial of credit. Withholding of the official transcript.

NOTE: Any student who is the subject of a Florida Atlantic University trespass order may also be trespassed from the Palm Beach State College Boca Raton campus.

Sanction Guidelines

Table of Recommended Sanctions

1a.-1d. Academic Dishonesty
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Involvement of other students
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First Violation as determined by the faculty member based on their syllabus:
  - Educational & Restorative Sanction(s)
  - Grade Change
Second Minor Violation determined by the Dean of Students:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Third or Major Violation determined by the Dean of Students:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
2. Alcohol Misuse
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Age of the student(s) involved
  - Volume of alcohol consumed
  - How the alcohol was obtained
  - Driving under the influence
  - Perceived or disclosed mental health issues
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
3. Arson
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of damage
  - Potential or actual harm to health and safety of community
  - Level of knowledge and intent of the student
  - Level of disruption to the campus and emergency response personnel
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
Applicable Level II or III sanctions depending on the severity of the violation
  - Range:
      - Minimum: Disciplinary Probation
      - Maximum: Dismissal
4. Assault
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - How the violation was committed
  - Level of disruption to individual or community
  - Location of where the violation took place
  - Type/severity of injury
  - Intentional vs. accidental
  - Was a weapon utilized
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
Applicable Level II or III sanctions depending on the severity of the violation
  - Range:
      - Minimum: Disciplinary Probation
      - Maximum: Dismissal
5. Battery
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - How the violation was committed
  - Level of disruption to individual or community
  - Location of where the violation took place
  - Type/severity of injury
  - Intentional vs. accidental
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
Applicable Level II or III sanctions depending on the severity of the violation
 - Range:
      - Minimum: Disciplinary Probation
      - Maximum: Dismissal
6. Bribery
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
7. Complicity
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of assistance provided
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
Sanctions should be similar to the sanctions for the violation that the other person committed.
8a.-8g. Computer Resources
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
9. Conspiracy
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of assistance provided
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
10. COVID-19 Protocol
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
11. Damage to Property
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - Monetary value(s) of the item(s)
  - Personal/sentimental value of the item(s)
  - Potential of harm to health and safety of community
  - Damage that jeopardizes safety and/or security, including but not limited to doors, windows, and security devices
  - Clean up or repair estimated value
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
*Any level of violation must include restitution as a sanction.
12. Defamation
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
13a. - 13j. Disruption
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Nature of incident
  - Level of disruption to individual or the community
  - Level of intent
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
14. Dress Standard Violation
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of noncompliance
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
15. Extortion
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - If the behavior resulted in injuries and to what extent
  - Level of potential harm if it had caused injury
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
16. Failure to Obey Reasonable Order of College Official(s)
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - If the behavior resulted in injuries and to what extent
  - Level of potential harm if it had caused injury
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
17a. - 17f. Falsification of Records
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Significance of gain sought
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
18. Fraud
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Significance of gain sought
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
19. Gambling
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How and where the violation was committed
  - Type of gambling committed
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
20a. - 20e. Harassment and Discrimination
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
21. Hazardous, Biological or Other Substances
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - Monetary value(s) of the item(s)
  - Potential of harm to health and safety of community
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
22. Hazing
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - Potential of harm to health and safety of community
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
23. Illegal Drugs and Narcotics
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - Potential of harm to health and safety of community
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - Possession vs. selling or distributing
  - Drug classification

RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions

24a. – 24h. Interference with Conduct Proceedings
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of disruption to individual or community
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
25. Misuse of Mail Services
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
26. Parking and Traffic Violation
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - History of offenses
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
27. Prior Disciplinary Sanctions or Warnings
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - History of sanctions and warnings
  - Evidence of prior compliance
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
Applicable Level II or III sanctions depending on the severity of the violation
  - Range:
      - Minimum: Disciplinary Probation
      - Maximum: Dismissal
28. Public Endangerment
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - If the behavior resulted in injuries and to what extent
  - Level of potential harm if it had caused injury
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
29. Retaliation
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
30a. - 30f. Sexual Misconduct (Non-Title IX Violations)
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
Applicable Level II or III sanctions depending on the severity of the violation
  - Range:
      - Minimum: Disciplinary Probation
      - Maximum: Dismissal
31. Smoking and Tobacco Use (includes e-cigarettes, vaping and hookah).
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of disruption to the community
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
32. Theft
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - Mechanism of the theft/attempted theft
  - Monetary value(s) of the item(s)
  - Personal/sentimental value of the item(s)
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
33. Threats
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
34a. - 34e. Title IX Violations
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - How the violation was committed
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - Involvement of alcohol and other drugs
  - Severity of misconduct
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
Applicable Level II or III sanctions depending on the severity of the violation
  - Range:
      - Minimum: Disciplinary Probation
      - Maximum: Dismissal
35a. - 35h. Unauthorized use of College Property or Unauthorized Presence
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - Potential of harm to health and safety of community
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
36. Unauthorized Use of Voice and Video Recording
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
37. Violation of Law, Rule or Mandate
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - Severity of violation
  - Resolution of the civil/criminal violation
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions
38. Weapons
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
  - Impact on the individual/community
  - Level of knowledge and the intent of the student
  - Severity of violation
  - Type of weapon
RECOMMENDED SANCTIONS
First/Minor Violation:
  - Any applicable Level I sanction
Second/Serious Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II sanctions
Third/Major Violation:
  - Any applicable Level II or III sanctions