Conduct Student Process

Clark College expects everyone to follow basic guidelines for responsible behavior. While we recognize that people often have unique circumstances, it’s important to have a shared set of expectations for what’s appropriate. The Clark College Code of Student Conduct explains students’ rights and responsibilities. The full text is available online at https://www.clark.edu/about/governance/policies-procedures/student_code.php.

This Code is aligned with Clark College’s Non-Discrimination Statement, and our office has a commitment to promoting equity in how we administer the Code of Conduct. We will make every effort to balance individuals’ needs with the well-being of the community as a whole. 

Student Rights

The following rights are guaranteed to each student. There are limits of these rights, those included violations related to statutory law and college policy which may deemed necessary to maintain the educational goals of the college:

  1. Academic freedom.

    1. Students are guaranteed the rights of free inquiry, expression, and assembly upon and within college facilities that are generally open and available to the public.
    2. Students are free to pursue appropriate educational objectives from among the college's curricula, programs, and services, subject to the limitations of RCW 28B.50.090 (3)(b).
    3. Students shall be protected from academic evaluation which is arbitrary, prejudiced, or capricious, but are responsible for meeting the standards of academic performance established by each of their instructors.
    4. Students have the right to a learning environment which is free from unlawful discrimination, inappropriate and disrespectful conduct, and any and all harassment, including sexual harassment.

  2. Due process.

    1. The rights of students to be secure in their persons, quarters, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures is guaranteed.
    2. No disciplinary sanction may be imposed on any student without notice to the accused of the nature of the charges.
    3. A student accused of violating this code of student conduct is entitled, upon request, to procedural due process as set forth in this chapter.

Here are some examples of how students may come to interact with our office:

As members of our community, you are encouraged to use critical thinking and to be engaged in your learning. You have the freedom to learn while at Clark College and will be provided appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community to do so. Students should exercise their freedom with responsibility, all members of the college community share the responsibility to respect the freedom to learn.

What happens when a referral is filed? 

Whenever a harm to the community or a code violation may have occurred, the community standards office may pursue an informal resolution. Our office will contact involved students to schedule a time for them to meet with a Conduct Officer. In this meeting, they will discuss what happened in the situation, what issues and policies were involved, what harm may have been caused, and how the students could remedy this situation.

The goal is for the Conduct Officer and student to collaboratively develop and agree upon an appropriate resolution. If the case is not resolved through this meeting, the Conduct Officer will turn to formal adjudication pathways to resolve the situation.

Formal Hearings:

There are a number of formal pathways that the Conduct Officer may use in order to resolve conduct cases. One way is with formal hearing when needed. Our office will schedule a time for the hearing to occur. In this hearing, the student will be invited to share their perspective on the incident, what issues and policies were involved, what harm may have been caused, and how the student could remedy this situation.

The final determination may be made by the conduct review officer or through the student conduct committee, a panel comprised of two full-time students appointed by student government, two faculty members appointed by the president, one faculty or administrator serving as the chair. A student conduct committee hearing type is mostly commonly used for instances when a student appeals a suspension decision of greater than 10 days, or for egregious conduct situations.

See how the process works when you are contacted by our office: 

Flow Chart of Student ProcessSelect image to view PDF of flow chart, or read the long descripton.

 

 

Clark College Conduct Process for Students

  1. Potential Misconduct is observed and someone makes a conduct referral. (Anyone can report)
  2. Student Conduct office receives referral and determines how to resolve;
    1. through informal meeting (typical)
    2. or formal hearing
  3. Student will received an email or phone call inviting you to schedule a meeting with a conduct officer to discuss the referral.
  4. Student receives official notice via email and USPS mail with date, time, location of meeting
  5. Did you attend your meeting?
    1. Yes, You’ll receive official letter via email and USPS that explains how the outcome of the case and what steps you may need to take (referred to as sanctions or outcomes)
    2. No , If you missed a meeting and did not attempt to reschedule prior to the meeting, then a decision will be made without your input.
  6. You will receive an official letter that explains the outcome of the case and what steps you may need to take (referred to as sanctions or outcomes)
  7. Did you complete your sanctions or outcomes on time and upload into Advocate system?
    1. Yes, Student conduct officer will confirm receipt of your outcomes or sanctions and your case will be closed.
    2. No, Student conduct office will place a hold on your account and you will have additional action to complete outcomes or sanctions.
  8. Did you complete the additional outcomes?
    1. If you complete the outcomes, your case is closed.
    2. If you do not complete your outcomes, a hold remains on your account.