Philosophy
Palm Beach State College is committed to fostering a campus environment that is conducive to academic inquiry, a productive campus life and thoughtful study and discourse. The Student Code of Conduct and conduct process is educational and developmental in nature, balancing the interests of individual students, as well as the interests of the College.
Our college community exists on the basis of shared values and principles. At Palm Beach State College, students are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Student Code of Conduct. Each member of the College community bears responsibility for their conduct and assumes reasonable responsibility for the behavior of others.
The student conduct process at Palm Beach State College is not intended to punish students; rather, it exists to protect the interests of the College community and to challenge those behaviors that are not in accordance with our policies. Sanctions are intended to challenge students’ moral and ethical decision making and to help them bring their behavior into accord with our community expectations. When a student is unable to conform their behavior to community expectations, the student conduct process may determine that the student should no longer share in the privilege of participating in this community.
Palm Beach State College protects and promotes its interests and objectives, which are essential to its effectiveness. These include (1) maintenance of the opportunity for students to attain their educational objectives; (2) the creation and maintenance of a stimulating, intellectual and educational atmosphere free of intimidation throughout the College; (3) protection of the health, safety, welfare, property, and civil rights of all members of the College; and (4) protection of property of the College. The College has responsibility in the area of student conduct to protect and promote the pursuit of its goals as outlined above. The College’s approach to student conduct emphasizes the College’s obligation to foster inclusion, equity, tolerance, independence, maturity, and responsibility in students.
Palm Beach State College governs its members using fair and nondiscriminatory measures of conduct including, but not limited to, their academic work, College-related social activities, communications, and social media. Behavior that deviates from these measures will be addressed in accordance with the procedures outlined in this handbook.
Authority
When students attend the College, they become subject to its jurisdiction. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner in all areas of college life. By enrolling, they agree to obey the rules and regulations of the College and are responsible for observing all Board of Trustees’ policies and procedures as published in the Student Handbook, College Catalog, and other College publications. Palm Beach State College Code of Student Conduct is adapted from The NCHERM Group Model Developmental Code of Student Conduct and is used here with permission.
All alleged student violations of the Code of Conduct of the College should be referred to the campus dean/assistant dean of student services or designee (to be referred to as Dean throughout this document), or campus security, or other College representative. This includes any infractions by a college student organization.
The dean/assistant dean of student services or designee is responsible for the administration of procedures falling under their jurisdiction.
The dean/assistant dean of student services or designee investigates the accusation. The dean/assistant dean of student services will maintain all disciplinary files.
The College reserves the right to take interim disciplinary action to protect the safety of the campus and welfare of the College community pending completion of an investigation and/or conduct hearing. The College conduct procedures are designed to ensure reasonable protection of both parties and a fair determination of the facts and provide due process in the application of appropriate sanctions.
Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of the Student Code of Conduct extends to all College locations, off-campus sites hosting a college event, class or other gathering, College-sanctioned social networking sites and College-sanctioned student travel, including clinical, volunteer or internships. Additionally, the College reserves the right to impose sanctions based on any student conduct, whether part of a program or not, regardless of location, that may adversely affect the College community. In the event of a violation of the College Code of Conduct, the College Student Conduct Procedures shall apply.
The Student Code of Conduct may be applied to behavior conducted online, via email, or through other electronic formats. Students should also be aware that online postings such as blogs, web postings, chats and social networking sites or applications are in the public sphere and are not private. These postings can subject a student to allegations of conduct violations if evidence of violations is posted online. The College does not regularly search for this information but may act when such information is brought to the attention of College Officials.
The Student Code of Conduct also applies to all recognized student organizations.
Definition of a Student:
The term “student” includes any person who:
- Has been admitted to the College, regardless of whether they have enrolled in classes.
- Is taking courses at the College (full time or part time) or pursuing undergraduate, certificate, professional, adult education, or distance learning courses; or
- Not currently enrolled but considered an active student for registration purposes.
Students that violate code of conduct and leave the college for whatever reason, will be held accountable when they return. A disciplinary hold will be placed on the student’s record prohibiting registration until the situation has been resolved. In cases deemed to be a direct threat to campus safety, the College may elect to issue a temporary suspension and pursue conduct charges.
Policy for Communication with Students
The College assigns all students a college email address when processing their applications. College faculty and staff will send official communications to students through the following methods, including but not limited to:
- College-assigned email. Students must check their college-assigned email address frequently to ensure they obtain critical information and assignments.
- Certified mail return receipt requested.
Note: Computers for student use are located in the College libraries, Student Learning Centers, and other campus locations.