Student Code of Conduct

All Mott Community College regulations shall be construed so as not to abridge any student’s constitutional rights which include, but are not limited to, the rights of free expression of thought or opinion, free association, peaceable assembly, or the petition of authorities.

Any student who commits any of the acts of misconduct listed below, shall be subject to disciplinary action by the College. These regulations shall apply only where a student’s misconduct has adversely affected a college process or function or other distinct and clear interest of the College as an academic community. College disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law which is also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. For example, if both violations result from the same factual situation, without regard to the pendency of civil litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution, proceedings under the Student Code of Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off-campus.

A. Assault and Battery

Intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm to any person on college premises or at college sponsored activities, or intentionally or recklessly causing reasonable apprehension of such harm.

B. Weapons

Unauthorized use, including, but not limited to, possession or storage of any weapon, dangerous chemicals, explosive or incendiary devices on college premises or at college sponsored activities either on or off campus.

C. Drugs

Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, use or possession, or being under the influence of any controlled substance or illegal drug on college premises or at college sponsored activities either on or off campus.

D. Alcoholic Beverages

Consumption, possession or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverages, beer and/or wine on college premises or at college sponsored activities either on or off campus unless previously approved in writing by the supervising college official(s).

E. Disruptive Behavior

Intentionally or recklessly interfering with normal college sponsored activities, including, but not limited to, studying, teaching, research, college administration, designated areas of activities, fire, security, or emergency services; or inciting others to commit disruptive behavior; any unauthorized occupancy of Mott facilities or access to or from such facilities; or failure to provide identification when directed.

F. Endangerment

Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning or threat of fire, explosion or other emergency on college premises or at college sponsored activities.

G. Harassment

Intimidation or harassment of another student or staff member of the college, including but not limited to, racial harassment or threats, and may include verbal and/or physical actions. Intentionally making repeated telephone calls to or from the college with intent to annoy, threaten or harass another person. This includes stalking — following or appearing within the sight of another, approaching or confronting another individual in a public or private place, appearing at the work place or residence of another, entering or remaining on an individual’s property, contacting by telephone, or sending mail or electronic mail.

H. Discrimination

Intentionally and substantially interfering with the freedom of others on college premises or at college sponsored activities based on age, color, disability, gender, height, weight, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation or veteran’s status.

I. Theft

Theft of property or of services on college premises or at college sponsored activities. This includes tampering with vending machines. Knowing possession of stolen property on college premises or at college sponsored activities.

J. Gambling

Illegal gambling on college premises or at college sponsored events.

K. Vandalism

Intentionally or recklessly destroying or damaging the property of others on college premises or at college sponsored activities. Unauthorized use of college facilities. Unauthorized presence in or use of college premises, facilities or property.

L. Soliciting

Selling or soliciting goods or services on campus without written permission from the supervising college official(s).

M. Counterfeiting, Altering, Impersonating or Financial Irresponsibility

Any forgery, alteration of, or unauthorized use of Mott forms, records, documents or I.D. cards, including the giving of false information or withholding necessary information in connection with a student’s admission, enrollment or status at Mott. Impersonating a Mott Faculty, Staff, or Student to gain access to unauthorized materials. This additionally includes passing a worthless check, money order or other method of payment to the College or to a member of the college community.

N. Smoking

Violations of college smoking policy. Smoking prohibition includes e-cigarettes and medical marijuana.

O. Computer Misuse

Unauthorized access or attempted access into college records or other student’s computer work or any misuse of college computer facilities. Use of computer networks for sending or receiving illegal, pornographic, or threatening information.

P. Academic Dishonesty

All forms of academic dishonesty, including cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism and the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic materials. See Academic Integrity Policy.

Q. Inappropriate Hearing Behavior

Disrespectful or disorderly behavior, or the giving of false testimony or other false evidence at any hearings arising under this policy.

R. Violations of Sanctions

Violation of the terms of an imposed disciplinary sanction or violation of the Student Code of Conduct while on disciplinary sanction.

S. Failure to Appear

Failing to appear at the request of any disciplinary hearing authorities.

T. Other Violations

Violating any laws or regulations (federal, state or local) or violating any published policies or regulations of Mott Community College including, but not limited to, those regarding access or departure from college buildings or structures, use of facilities, the college’s Student Code of Conduct, and other rules and regulations which may be enacted, published, or promulgated by the Board of Trustees or its designees.

U. Technology Usage

No electronic communication device, which means a device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message or otherwise receives or communicates a message, may be active during class without the oral or written consent of the instructor. Such devices may include, but are not limited to, portable pagers, hand-held radios, cellular telephones, PDAs and any technology developed for similar purpose.

V. Hazing

In accordance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act (2025), hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that (1) is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization (e.g., a club, athletic team, fraternity, or sorority); and (2) causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institutions of Higher Education (IHE) or the organization, of physical or psychological injury.

Any member of the College community may submit a report when they become aware of and/or experience an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct. All such reports shall be in writing, in complete detail, and submitted to the Student Conduct Office through the Report A Concern form.

Initial Actions:

Upon receiving a report of concern from Assistant Vice President of Student Success Services, a case file is created. Within 5 business days of receiving the complaint, the Director of Student Conduct and the Student Conduct Coordinator will conduct a preliminary review of the report to determine if the allegations have merit. If it is determined that the allegations have merit, the accused student will be notified in writing of the allegations and alleged violation(s). Within the notification, the accused student will be instructed to schedule a preliminary meeting with the Director of Conduct and the Student Conduct Coordinator to discuss the allegations and allow the accused student to respond to them. If the allegations do not have merit, the reporting party will be notified stating the reasons, and the matter will be closed.

Investigation:

The Code of Conduct Investigation Team (CCIT) will gather relevant evidence to determine whether there is a reasonable basis for believing that the Student Code of Conduct has been violated. In order to make a determination, the CCIT may interview the complainant and witnesses. During the investigation the CCIT will also meet directly with the accused student. In the event the CCIT believes that evidence shows that there is a reasonable basis for believing a violation did occur, a preliminary meeting will be scheduled.

Preliminary Meeting (Informal Hearing):

If it is determined that there is a reasonable basis for believing that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct did occur, a preliminary meeting will be scheduled within 5 business days (if feasible) of that determination. Notice shall be given to the accused student in advance of the preliminary meeting. In the event that the accused student fails to contact the Office of Student Conduct within 3 business days of the written notification, a hold will be placed on the accused student’s College account.

The Code of Conduct Investigation Team (CCIT) will notify the accused student that the informal resolution of the matter may be pursued at the preliminary meeting. The CCIT will inform the accused that picture ID must be presented prior to starting the preliminary meeting. Failure to produce ID will forfeit the accused student's right to attend the preliminary meeting.

The accused student may requests a postponement of a scheduled meeting by setting forth good cause, in writing, 24 hours in advance. Except in emergency situations, such a written request for postponement must be received before a scheduled meeting in order to be considered. The CCIT may grant the request based upon good cause being shown.

The preliminary meeting may be adjourned.

During the preliminary meeting only the accused may be allowed to present evidence on their behalf. The accused may have a non-participating witness in the meeting.

During the preliminary meeting, recordings of any type are prohibited.

If at the conclusion of the preliminary meeting, sanctions are issued, the accused student may appeal the decision in writing within ten business days. If an appeal is not received, then the Code of Conduct Office may issue a final binding resolution. If the student does not attend the preliminary meeting, sanctions will be applied and communicated by letter.

Interim Suspension:

The CCIT may suspend a student for an interim period pending disciplinary proceedings or medical evaluation. Such interim suspension becomes immediately effective without prior notice, whenever there is evidence that the continuing presence of the student on the college premises poses an imminent threat to the physical or emotional safety of any member of the college community or that any personal or public property is jeopardized.

If an act of misconduct warrants an immediate suspension from class for the remainder of the class period, the instructor may do so without a prior investigation. If necessary, Public Safety officers will remove the student from the classroom upon the oral request of the instructor. The instructor will provide a report to the Code of Conduct Office as soon as possible through the Report A Concern. If suspension from additional class sessions is warranted, the instructor may request that the Code of Conduct Office suspend the student on an interim basis.

Appeal Process:

Grounds for an accused student (hereinafter referred to as “student”) to appeal a Conduct decision:

1. Procedural Error - A significant procedural error that resulted in unfairness to the student where they did not receive a fair, impartial, or proper hearing. Minor deviations from established procedures will not be considered grounds for appeal.
2. New Evidence - The discovery of substantial new evidence that was not available at the time of the pre-conference and that could have reasonably impacted the decision.
3. Disproportionate Sanction - The disciplinary sanction imposed is excessively severe in relation to the violation(s) committed.

All conduct appeals will be reviewed by the Assistant Vice President of Student Success Services. If the appeal meets the established grounds for appeal, the AVPSS and designees—who were not involved in the original sanction—will hear the student’s case.

The Code of Conduct Office shall send notice of the formal charge(s), along with the time and place of the hearing, to the accused student's college email with digital read receipt tracking or to the address on record with the college via certified mail.

The notice of a formal hearing shall contain the following:

1. A complete and itemized statement of the charge(s) being brought against the student including the prohibited conduct he/she is charged with violating, and the possible penalties for such violation.
2. A statement that the student has the following rights:
   1. to present his/her side of the story.
   2. to present relevant witnesses and evidence on his/her behalf. Character references shall not be heard.
   3. to examine witnesses or his/her designee presenting evidence against the student.
   4. to remain silent without assumption of guilt.
3. A warning that anything the student says may be used against him/her in other proceedings by any non-college hearing.

Notice of Hearing: If a student fails to appear at a scheduled formal hearing, the Assistant Vice President of Student Success will make a ruling based upon the evidence presented and recommend sanction(s) appropriate to the offense, and the student will be informed in writing.

Notice of at least eight (8) business days shall be given to the student in advance of the formal hearing.

A disciplinary hold will be placed on the records of any student who withdraws from the College prior to the resolution of impending disciplinary action.

Sanctions

The primary purpose for the imposition of discipline in the college setting is to protect and preserve the campus community. Consistent with that purpose, reasonable efforts will be made to foster the personal and social development of those students who are held accountable for violations of the College’s Student Code of Conduct or college policies and regulations.

No recommendation for the imposition of sanctions may be based solely upon the accused student’s failure to answer charges or failure to appear at the hearing. In such cases, the evidence in support of the charges shall be presented and considered.

The following sanctions, singly or in combination, may be imposed when a student admits responsibility or is found to have violated the college policies and/or regulations and the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions for violations of disciplinary regulations include but are not limited to:

1. Warning: Notice given orally or in writing, that continuation or repetition of conduct may be the cause for more severe action. A specific period of time may be stated.
2. Censure: Written reprimand for violating specified regulations, including the possibility of receiving a more severe sanction in the event of a violation of any college regulation or policy within a stated period of time. Copies of the reprimand may be sent to appropriate college offices and filed in the student’s conduct file.
3. Disciplinary Probation: Disciplinary probation means that a further violation may result in suspension or expulsion. Notification of disciplinary status will be sent to appropriate college offices and filed in the student’s conduct file. Probation will be for a specified period of time. Conditions may be imposed.
4. Restitution: The student is required to make payment to the college or to other persons, groups, or organizations for monetary damages incurred as a result of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. When appropriate, restitution may take the form of appropriate community service or other compensation.
5. Suspension: Separation of the student from the college for a specified period of time. The student shall not participate in any college sponsored activity on or off campus and may be barred from the college premises. Notification shall appear on the student’s transcript and will be sent to appropriate college offices. A suspension may be made for any period up to one year.
6. Disciplinary Dismissal: Permanent separation of the student from the college. Notification will appear on the student’s transcript. The student may also be barred from college premises.
7. Other Sanctions: Other sanctions may be imposed instead of or in addition to those specified in sections 1 through 5. For example, students may be required to attend seminars or enroll in specific behavior related classes, educational or rehabilitative programs; or be assigned work, community service or projects.
8. Exclusion from college facilities or activities: A student may be prohibited from attending a class, undertaking college employment, entering a building, participating in an extracurricular activity sponsored by the college, representing the college in an official capacity, running for or holding office in any student group or organization, being present in specific areas of the campus, or using other services provided by the college. Such exclusion may be for a definite or indefinite period of time.

Judicial Appeal Process

A complainant or student cited may appeal the decision of the Assistant Vice President of Student Success Services to the President’s Designee. The request for appeal must be in writing and must be forwarded to the President’s Designee within ten calendar days of the decision rendered. Failure to file an appeal will render the decision final and conclusive. The basis for an appeal must be one of the following:

1. The student’s right of due process under the Student Code of Conduct was violated.
2. To determine whether the decision reached regarding the student charged with a violation was based on sufficient evidence.
3. Inconsistent or overly severe imposed sanction.
4. To consider new evidence which is sufficient to alter a decision, or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, because such evidence and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original hearing.

Appeals shall be decided upon the record of the original proceedings and upon written summaries submitted by the parties. A new hearing shall not be conducted.

The President’s Designee may:

1. Affirm the finding and the sanction imposed by the Assistant Vice President of Student Success Services.
2. Affirm the finding and reduce, but not eliminate, the sanction. Sanctions may only be reduced if found to be grossly disproportionate to the offense.
3. Remand (order back) the case to the Assistant Vice President of Student Success Services. Cases may be remanded if specified procedural errors or errors in interpretation of college regulations or policy were so substantial as to effectively deny a fair hearing, or if new and significant evidence became available which could not have been discovered before or during the original hearing.
4. Cases may be dismissed if the findings are held to be arbitrary and capricious. On appeal, the decision of the President’s Designee shall be final and conclusive.

• Incident of Academic Dishonesty Report
• Report A Concern