Mission and Values
The mission of the Palm Beach State College Code of Conduct is to educate and develop students through a process that promotes accountability, civility, ethics, fairness, integrity, respect, and responsibility as it engages students in critical reflection of their choices. The staff is committed to the protection of the learning environment, the health and safety of the community and the rights of the students throughout the process.
- Accountability – being willing to accept responsibility for one’s own actions.
- Civility – remaining thoughtful, kind, empathetic and demonstrating an ability to get along with others, understanding in thought and word.
- Ethics – providing a framework for understanding and interpreting right and wrong in society.
- Fairness – being free from bias or injustice; treating people equitably or in a way that is right or reasonable.
- Integrity – adhering to a code of moral and ethical principles; demonstrating a soundness of moral character and honesty.
- Respect – maintaining due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights and/or traditions of others.
- Responsibility – being dependable, making good choices, and taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Philosophy and Purpose
The Palm Beach State College Code of Conduct exists to cultivate a community of citizens dedicated to academic inquiry stemming from thoughtful study and reasoned discourse in an environment that promotes civility and respect. At Palm Beach State College, students within the learning community 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. All members of the community are to be held accountable for their actions, words, and deeds within this learning environment, and should be prepared to accept the results and consequences of their decisions. The PBSC Student Code of Conduct strives to balance the holistic needs of the community within a learning-centered atmosphere that responds to issues and concerns in manners that are inclusive, just and multi-partial.
The Student Conduct process protects the interests of the College community and seeks to challenge those behaviors that compromise the learning environment and disrupt appropriate civil and respectful behavior. Sanctions for Code of Conduct violations are intended to challenge students’ moral and ethical decision making and help to bring their behavior into accord with community expectations. To every extent possible, the student conduct process at Palm Beach State College serves to be educational in nature first and foremost, but dependent upon the violation of code standards the process may determine that the student should no longer share in the privilege of participating within this community.
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 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 both the process and the potential 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 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.
Definitions
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.
Learning environment - is defined as where students engage and participates in learning activities such as face to face, live online, fully online, hybrid setting to include, but not limited to, any gathering of faculty or other College employees and students for the purpose of teaching and learning.
College environment - is defined as all academic and non-academic department that are physical or virtual locations of the College.
College community - is defined as PBSC employees, students, and other constituents with responsibilities to the College (i.e., DBOT).
Information Technology Resources - is defined as unauthorized access to or use of computer, computer system, network, software, or data.
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.