Student Handbook

Student Academic Rights

A student has the right to

• be informed of course requirements through a written syllabus;
• be evaluated solely on the basis of his or her academic performance as required by an instructor as part of a course;
• experience reasonable, free and open discussion, inquiry, and expression, both in the classroom and in student/instructor conferences;
• experience competent instruction and academic advisement;
• take exception in a scholarly manner to the data or views presented;
• expect protection against an instructor’s improper disclosure of a student’s views, beliefs and political associations which may surface as a result of the instructor’s teaching or advising;
• expect protection, through established procedures, against prejudiced or capricious evaluation; and
• expect protection against sexual harassment.

Student Academic Responsibilities

A student has the responsibility to

• read the College Catalog and the Student Handbook and become familiar with college policies;
• inquire about program, course, and college requirements if he or she does not understand them or is in doubt about them;
• adhere to the standards for academic performance established for individual courses and for programs of study;
• conform to the “General Code of Student Conduct” during class lectures, discussions, laboratories, and other group activities;
• pursue the appropriate student complaint procedure if he/she believes an instructor has violated his/her academic rights;
• satisfactorily learn the content of any course of study;
• make up missed assignments, if provided for by the course syllabus; and
• understand and meet graduation and other program requirements by reading the Catalog and making reasonable efforts to obtain academic advising.

Sanctions for Academic Dishonesty

The college may act upon any violation of the Academic Code of Conduct. Breaches of the Academic Code of Conduct may result in

• a reduced grade for a particular assignment or test,
• a failing grade for a particular assignment or test,
• a failing grade for the course, without the student option of dropping the course,
• if determined to be a student discipline issue, see General Code of Student Conduct,
• disciplinary probation,
• disciplinary suspension, or
• expulsion.

Misconduct Involving Both General Misconduct and Academic Dishonesty

In the event that the conduct of a student violates both the General Code of Conduct as well as the Academic Code of Conduct, the Vice President for Student Services and the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall jointly agree as to which disciplinary process will be used.

Administration of the Academic Code of Conduct

Administrative responsibility for the Academic Code of Conduct rests with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and includes the faculty and division chairs. Questions regarding policies, rules, regulations, and all aspects of the Academic Code of Conduct should be addressed to the appropriate division chair, Vice President for Academic Affairs, or the Student Grievance Officer.

The aim of the Academic Code of Conduct is to provide a fair and equitable process of reviewing and responding to incidents of academic dishonesty. The college does not base this system on a judicial model. The college intends its procedures to ensure that it treats students fairly and consistently. The review meetings and hearings of the system give all parties the opportunity to identify concerns, explain perceptions, explore behavior, and hear suggestions. Northwest College places its emphasis on student behavior and the responsibilities inherent in accepting membership in the college community.

Inherent in the administration of the Academic Code of Conduct is the goal of student learning. Each sanction will be within a framework of academic standards, consistency, and fairness.

In all instances where a potential conflict of interest exists, a suitable substitute will perform the duties of the process. If the potential conflict of interest exists for the Division Chair, then the Dean of Student Learning and Academic Support will refer him/her to another Division Chair. If the potential conflict of interest exists for the Vice President for Academic Affairs, then the Vice President will ask another of the college’s Vice Presidents to act in his/her stead.

At each stage of the process, the person responsible for a decision will keep a copy of the written decision and the record of any hearings in his/her file.

Should the student receive a sanction, then a copy of the ultimate decision will go in the student’s file in the Registrar’s Office.

Academic Dishonesty Hearing Procedures (Implemented by Students, Faculty or Staff)

Any student, faculty member or staff member other than the faculty or staff member having direct instructional responsibility for the student may submit a written complaint when a student’s conduct appears to violate the Academic Code of Conduct. The person should submit a written description of the observed misconduct to the affected instructor within five (5) working days of becoming aware of the incident. The affected instructor having immediate instructional responsibility for the student will review the complaint and determine the type of review most appropriate to the situation. This determination usually includes, but is not limited to, the nature of the incident, prior student conduct and existing sanctions against the student.

The instructor having immediate instructional responsibility for the student on his own or after having received a complaint that a student’s conduct appears to violate the Academic Code of Conduct from another student, faculty or staff member, will determine whether or not to pursue a violation of the Academic Code of Conduct. An instructor who pursues a violation of the Academic Code of Conduct should first seek the advice of his/her Division Chair. If the instructor intends to initiate proceedings that will result in lesser sanctions (reducing the grade for a particular assignment or test; issuing a failing grade for a particular assignment or test; or issuing a failing grade for the course, without the student option of dropping the course), then he/she should follow the informal hearing procedures outlined in Step One. If the instructor intends to initiate proceedings that will result in a greater sanction (disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion), then he/she will follow the formal hearing proceedings outlined in Step Three.

Step One—Informal Hearing with Instructor

An instructor who pursues a violation of the Academic Code of Conduct will meet with the student within 10 working days of becoming aware of the alleged violation. Before the meeting, the instructor should seek the advice of the respective Division Chair and notify the Vice President for Academic Affairs of a pending action. At the meeting, the instructor will inform the student of the charges and the evidence against him/her. After the meeting, the student will have the opportunity to offer verbal and/or written information on his/her behalf within an agreed upon time period. An instructor may take the following disciplinary actions for breaches of the Academic Code of Conduct:

• reduce the grade for a particular assignment or test,
• issue a failing grade for a particular assignment or test, or
• issue a failing grade for the course, without the student option of dropping the course.

After the meeting the instructor will confirm his/her decision in writing to the student within five working days, with a copy of the letter to the Division Chair. If the student is not satisfied with the written decision of the instructor, then he/she proceeds to Step Two.

Step Two—Informal Hearing with Division Chair

If the student is not satisfied with the written decision of the instructor at Step One, he/she may file an appeal within five working days to the instructor’s division chair. The student must submit a written response to the instructor’s decision from Step One, detailing why the student is appealing. The student may also give the Division Chair any supporting material. The affected instructor will provide a concise written statement of the offense including dates, places, witnesses, and others involved.

In reviewing the appeal, the division chair may request additional information from the instructor or anyone else involved. These individuals will have five working days to submit this and any other written information they wish to be considered. The Division Chair also may conduct face-to-face interviews with the student, the instructor, and anyone else involved. The division chair will provide a written decision within five working days following receipt of all pertinent information (including the interviews, if conducted) but no longer than 15 working days following the receipt of the complaint. The division chair will send a copy of his/her written decision to the student and the instructor.

If the student or the instructor is not satisfied with the written decision of the Division Chair, then he/she proceeds to Step Three.

Step Three—Formal Hearing with Vice President for Academic Affairs

The Vice President for Academic Affairs initiates formal hearing procedures in response to an appeal from Step Two or in response to an instructor’s desire to impose a greater sanction (disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion). When the Vice President for Academic Affairs acts on a case, the intent is to handle it in a hearing using discussion, counseling, persuasion, mediation or other informal techniques. The general conduct of the formal hearing will conform to the “Student Conduct Procedural Review”. Except that in the event of an Academic Expulsion, the procedures requiring a formal contested case procedure shall not be applicable.

If a student or instructor initiates the hearing as an appeal from Step Two, then he/she will file the appeal with the Vice President for Academic Affairs within 10 working days of the Division Chair’s decision in Step Two. The appeal must include a written statement explaining why the decision from Step Two dissatisfies him/her, copies of supporting material from Steps One and Two, the instructor’s written decision from Step One, the Division Chair’s written decision from Step Two, and any new supporting material.

If an instructor is initiating the hearing in order to impose a greater sanction, then he/she will send the case in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within 10 working days of the alleged violation. The written referral from the Instructor will contain a concise statement of the offense (including dates, places, witnesses, and others involved) and a justification for the proposed sanction. Within the same time frame, the respective Division Chair will supply the Vice President with a written document that indicates his/her degree of support for the proposed sanction. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will request a written statement from the student(s) charged with the violation or anyone else involved. These individuals have five working days after receiving the Vice President’s request to submit any written statements they wish to be considered. The Vice President for Academic Affairs has the right to request additional information.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs must conduct the hearing within 10 working days of receiving a request. At the hearing, the student receives in writing the charges and evidence against him/her. The student has the opportunity to offer verbal and additional written information on his/her behalf. The Vice President for Academic Affairs may impose all sanctions including expulsion and/or recommend changes in the instructional area relating to grading, testing, or other instructional procedures. The Vice President for Academic Affairs may uphold, rescind, or decrease sanctions given by the Division Chair. The Vice President sends a written decision to the student, the instructor, and the Division Chair within five working days of the hearing.

For the instructor, the matter ends with the written decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. If the student is not satisfied with the written decision of the Vice President, then he/she has the right to appeal the decision through a hearing before the Student Appeals Board. See “Student Appeals Board Process and Procedures”.

Instructional Complaint Procedure (Student Implemented)

The purpose of this procedure is to resolve differences which may arise concerning a disagreement between a student and an instructor over instructional incidents. These concerns may relate to a contested grade, an observed violation of the Academic Code of Conduct, harassment, instructional design or delivery, intellectual bias, matters of free speech, etc. The procedure provides for a solution to a situation which can be discomforting and can impede the instructional process. This procedure permits a student to gain rectification of a human error, elimination of a demonstrated bias, or clarification of an intellectual viewpoint. The procedure encourages an informal solution but allows for due process through a formal complaint.

Northwest College designs its complaint process to resolve complaints through internal administrative channels. If anytime during the complaint the student and instructor convene (either together or separately) for a discussion, neither party will be accompanied by an attorney.

In the case of sexual harassment, the student should obtain a copy of the sexual harassment policy available in the Student Services Office and follow those procedures.

Step One—Informal Hearing with Instructor and/or Division Chair

The informal complaint procedure is a verbal process which the student must start within 10 working days of the alleged incident or disagreement. The student should meet initially with the Dean of Student Learning and Academic Support. During this initial meeting, the student is responsible for explaining why he/she believes an incident has occurred, detailing the problem, and presenting supporting materials (corrected papers, examinations, projects, etc.), if appropriate. The Dean of Student Learning and Academic Support will serve as the student’s advocate throughout the complaint process, notifying the student of his/her rights and guiding the student through the complaint process.

Any student who believes that an instructional incident has occurred should discuss the point with the instructor directly during office hours. This face-to-face contact between the affected parties is Northwest College’s preferred method of dealing with complaints. The student is welcome to bring an advocate to the meeting (e.g., a fellow student). The instructor is responsible for considering the complaint presented by the student and for striving to resolve the difficulty. The student has the obligation of listening to and considering the instructor’s viewpoint.

In the event a student is uncomfortable interacting with an instructor, he/she may pursue the informal complaint with the appropriate Division Chair. The Division Chair may meet privately with the student and subsequently with the instructor, or the Chair may schedule and attend a joint meeting with both. The aim of the Division Chair’s involvement is to facilitate informal resolution of the problem.

If the student has a complaint specifically about the conduct of a division chair, the student is encouraged to discuss the point with the Division Chair during office hours or other agreed upon time. In the event a student is uncomfortable interacting with the Division Chair, the Dean of Student Learning and Academic Support will refer the student to another Division Chair.

The informal process ends with either the instructor or the Division Chair notifying the student of the problem’s resolution. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will not hear an informal complaint about an instructional disagreement or incident unless the complaint is against the Division Chair. The informal process can resolve most misunderstandings and problems. If the outcome of Step One dissatisfies the student, then he/she proceeds to Step Two.

Step Two–Written Appeal to Instructor

If the student cannot resolve a complaint or problem concerning an instructional incident using the informal complaint process described in Step One, the student may file a formal complaint.

The formal complaint begins with the student filing a written statement with the instructor within five working days after the failure to resolve the complaint informally (the day the instructor or Division Chair notified the student of his/her resolution). The written statement must contain

• a concise statement of the complaint;
• an explanation of why an instructional incident or disagreement has occurred, accompanied by copies of corrected papers, examinations, projects, etc. (if appropriate) which support this argument; and
• the relief or remedy sought by the student.

The instructor will have five working days to respond to the formal complaint in writing. If the student is satisfied with the result, then the process is done. If not, he/she proceeds to Step Three.

Step Three—Written Appeal to Division Chair

If the student is not satisfied with the written decision of the instructor at Step Two, he/she may file an appeal within five working days to the instructor’s Division Chair. The student submits the following in Step Three:

• the written statement of the complaint and copies of the supporting materials at Step Two;
• the written response from the instructor at Step Two;
• a written statement explaining why the decision at Step Two dissatisfies the student, with copies of any new supporting material.

In reviewing the complaint, the Division Chair may request a written statement from the instructor or anyone else involved. These individuals will have five working days to submit this and any other written information they wish to be considered. The division chair will provide a written decision within five working days following receipt of all pertinent information (including face-to-face interviews if necessary) but no longer than 15 working days following the receipt of the complaint. The Division Chair will send copies of his/her written decision to the student and the instructor.

If the student and instructor are satisfied with the result, then the process is done. If not, then either party may proceed to Step Four.

Step Four—Written Appeal to Vice President for Academic Affairs

If the written decision at Step Three dissatisfies the student or the instructor, then either party may file an appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within five working days. The complainant must submit the following in Step Four:

• the written statement of the complaint and copies of the supporting materials at Step Two and Step Three;
• the written response from the instructor at Step Two;
• the written response from the Division Chair at Step Three; and
• a written statement explaining why the decision at Step Three dissatisfies the student or the instructor, with copies of any new supporting material.

In reviewing the complaint, the Vice President for Academic Affairs may request all materials gathered by the Division Chair and may conduct face-to-face interviews with any or all parties involved with the complaint. The Vice President must receive any requested statements within five working days. The Vice President may use additional time if necessary to gather and review pertinent information; unless otherwise notified of the reason in writing, the student or the instructor may expect to receive a written decision from the Vice President within 10 working days following the receipt of all pertinent information. The Vice President sends copies of his/her written decision to the student, the instructor, and the Division Chair.

For the instructor, the matter ends with the written decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. If the student is not satisfied with the written decision of the Vice President, then he/she has the right to appeal the decision through a hearing before the Student Appeals Board. See “Student Appeals Board Process and Procedures”.

General Academic Information

Information on honor rolls, auditing a course, changing classes, class attendance, withdrawing from classes, repeating a class, credit by exam, grading policies, academic amnesty, probation/suspension/dismissal policy, transfer of credit, and degree and graduation requirements is available in the College Catalog.

Alcohol Policy

Northwest College is an alcohol-free campus.

Regardless of age, you are in violation of Northwest College’s alcohol policy:

• if you are on college property and found in the immediate area where alcohol is present, whether consuming it or not.
• if you are on college property and under the influence of alcohol and/or exhibiting intoxicated behavior.
• if you are on college property and have alcohol in your possession.

It is a violation of Northwest College’s alcohol policy if you are at an off-campus, college-sponsored event, while under the legal drinking age and:

—in possession of alcohol.
—under the influence and/or exhibiting intoxicated behavior.

In order to be consistent with our policy on alcohol and education, the following is the minimum sanction that will occur for alcohol violations on campus or at college sponsored functions or trips.

Policies & Procedures

First Violation: Students may be issued a letter of warning that they are in jeopardy of losing certain campus privileges. Students may also be required to attend a mandatory alcohol education program facilitated by the College. The letter of warning may provide information regarding scheduling the individualized program. The cost of the program is $100.00 and you may have thirty (30) days** to complete the program. Failure to schedule and complete the program may result in an additional $100.00 charge assessed to your student account. Please see the Residence Hall Guide and Owner’s manual for Residence Hall sanctions. Failure to complete these sanctions may result in further disciplinary action.

Second Violation: The student may be placed on Disciplinary Probation. The student may also be suspended or prohibited from participating in or attending college sponsored events/activities, or restricted from entering designated buildings on campus. Students may also be required to attend a mandatory alcohol education program facilitated by the College. The cost of the program is $150.00 and you may have thirty (30) days** to complete the program. Failure to schedule and complete the program may result in an additional $150.00 charge assessed to your student account. The student may also be required to complete a four (4) hour Community Restitution Project and may receive a letter providing the date and time of this project. Please refer to the Residence Hall Guide and Owner’s Manual for Residence Hall sanctions. Failure to complete these sanctions may result in further disciplinary action.

Third Violation: The student may be placed on Disciplinary Suspension, prohibited from participating in or attending college sponsored events/activities, or restricted from entering designated buildings on campus. Students may also be required to attend a mandatory alcohol education program facilitated by the College. The cost of the program is $200.00 and you may have thirty (30) days** to complete the program. Failure to schedule and complete the program may result in an additional $200.00 charge assessed to your student account. The student may also be required to complete a four (4) hour Community Restitution Project and may receive a letter providing the date and time of this project. Please refer to the Residence Hall Guide and Owner’s Manual for Residence Hall sanctions. Failure to complete these sanctions may result in further disciplinary action.

** Northwest College reserves the right, at its discretion, to alter or amend the thirty (30) day time period to complete the mandatory alcohol education program.

Drug Policy

Northwest College is a drug-free campus. No student shall possess, consume or distribute controlled substances (except those lawfully prescribed by a medical provider to the possessing student and which are used as prescribed for the medical condition being treated)on the campus of Northwest College, at college sponsored activities or on college sponsored trips. Controlled substances are defined by State of Wyoming statutes and federal laws. These include those categories often known as cannabis, acids, hallucinogens, barbiturates, amphetamines, narcotics or the illicit use of prescription drugs.

Regardless of age, you are in violation of Northwest College’s drug policy:

• if you are on college property and found in the immediate area where drugs are present, whether having consumed (consuming)them or not.
• if you are on college property and under the influence of drugs and/or exhibiting drug-related behavior.
• if you are on college property and have drugs in your possession.

It is a violation of Northwest College’s drug policy if you are at an off-campus, college-sponsored event, and:

—in possession of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia.
—under the influence of and/or exhibiting drug-related behavior.

Students found to be in violation of alcohol and/or drug policies may appeal the sanctions to the appropriate individual or Student Appeals Board.

Students are responsible for complying with provisions of Wyoming law that make it a crime to possess, sell, deliver or manufacture those drugs designated collectively as controlled substances. Any student who violates that law is subject to prosecution and punishment by the civil authorities and to disciplinary action by the college. Disciplinary action taken by the college may be one or more of the disciplinary sanctions listed under Sanctions for Violations of General Code of Student Conduct, including expulsion from the college. Any student voluntarily seeking assistance with a drug-related problem is encouraged to do so and will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality. Such assistance may be sought through the college Student Success Center, Student Health Services, the Residence Hall Staff, the Campus Security Coordinator, or community programs.

Administration of the General Code of Student Conduct System

In matters of safety and security, final responsibility for determining appropriate disciplinary standards rests with the Vice President for Student Services (or Designee). The administrative responsibility for the General Code of Student Conduct system also includes the Residence and Campus Life Director in discipline issues occurring in or involving campus residential facilities. Questions regarding policies, rules, regulations, and all aspects of the Student Conduct System should be addressed to the Vice President for Student Services, the Residence and Campus Life Director, or the Student Grievance Officer.

Student Conduct Complaints

Any student, staff or faculty member may submit a written complaint when a student’s conduct appears to be in violation of college policies, rules or regulations. Complaint forms are available through different formats. Paper forms maybe obtained through the Residence and Campus Life Office, Residence Hall staff members, or the Vice President for Student Services’ Office.

A written description of the observed misconduct should be submitted on the complaint form to the Residence and Campus Life Director or the Vice President for Student Services (or Designee), within 48 hours of the incident (excluding weekends and holidays and extenuating circumstances).

At the discretion of the Vice President for Student Services, an investigation and disciplinary action may proceed even if the complaint is not filed in a timely manner.

Another way to file a complaint is through the link NWC Cares at the bottom of the page. All complaints should be submitted in a timely fashion as indicated above.

Student Conduct Procedural Review

The purpose of a procedural review is to determine whether a student has failed to follow the Code of Conduct. Procedural review components include:

• reading complaint reports and determining whether, or to what extent, students were involved in the reported misconduct
• assisting students toward responsible conduct
• determining appropriate sanctions when necessary
• enforcing the sanctions imposed

1. Disciplinary action may be initiated by a written complaint filed by any member of the college community within 48 hours of the alleged violation of the General Code of Student Conduct (excluding weekends, holidays, and extenuating circumstances). Complaint forms are available in the Vice President for Student Services Office, the Residence and Campus Life Office, or from Residence Hall staff members. The complaint must be filed with Vice President for Student Services (or Designee) or the Residence and Campus Life Director (or Designee) (if the issue occurred in campus housing or where campus housing policies are involved). The written complaint shall contain a concise statement of the offense including dates, places, witnesses and others involved.
2. The Vice President for Student Services (or Designee) or Residence and Campus Life Director (or Designee) will inform the student(s) that his/her name appears on a complaint form and schedule a procedural review with those involved in the incident to determine the facts. The Vice President (or Designee) or Director (or Designee), upon reviewing the complaint, will determine the type of review meeting(s) which is most appropriate to the situation. The intent is to handle the review using discussion, counseling, mediation, and other informal techniques. The Vice President (or Designee) or Director (or Designee) may ask questions to determine what occurred, why it occurred, how it may be perceived by others, and whether the behavior fits within the college’s standards.
3. During the review meeting(s) the student will be informed of the charges and the evidence against him/her, and have the opportunity to offer verbal and written information on his/her behalf.
4. The student may request witnesses to speak on his/her behalf at a review meeting. The Vice President (or Designee) or Director (or Designee) may invite as witnesses, persons who submitted the complaint report or other persons whose names appear on the complaint report. The student subject to discipline may request the Vice President (or Designee) or Director to require the attendance of witnesses including the person filing the report and may question any witness present at a review meeting.
5. When more than one student is named on a complaint report, the Vice President for Students Affairs (or Designee) or Residence and Campus Life Director (or Designee) may consider each student’s involvement separately and exclude the other students from the meeting for a period of time. If new information is shared during this time, the other students shall hear all information shared concerning their misconduct, and have an opportunity to respond to that information before the hearing officer makes a final decision.
6. A Student Conduct Procedural Review is an institutional process, therefore, legal counsel is not permitted at review meetings.
7. The Vice President for Student Services (or Designee) will be empowered to impose any of the sanctions for misconduct, and the Residence and Campus Life Director (or Designee) will be empowered to impose any of the sanctions for misconduct listed in the campus housing handbook. Decisions will be made by the Vice President (or Designee) or Director (or Designee) and confirmed in writing to the student(s) subject to discipline within 48 hours, excluding weekends, holidays and extenuating circumstances, following the final review meeting.
8. Appeals for Student Conduct Cases –Decisions made by the Residence and Campus Life Director may be appealed to the Vice President for Student Services (or Designee). Any decision rendered by the Vice President for Student Services may be appealed to the Student Appeals Board. These appeals must be made within two (2) working days of receiving the decision from the Vice President for Student Services.
   1. A student conduct appeal is not a rehearing. New information concerning the incident itself is not considered. If new information becomes available after the original review, the original hearing officer shall reconsider the incident in light of the additional information.
   2. Grounds for student conduct appeal are limited to two categories:
      1. Lack of a fair review.
      2. Severity of sanction.
         The appeal process may only be initiated by a student who has been found in violation of a policy, rule, or regulation. The sanction imposed shall be deferred while a student is involved in the appeal process (with the exception of violent or threatening behavior, disciplinary suspension or expulsion). If the original sanction is upheld, it shall be effective as of the date set at the original review meeting. If the appeal process reverses or changes the sanction in any way, the new finding will be effective as determined by the appellate officer or body.
   3. Levels of Appeal
      1. Decisions rendered by Resident Directors (See campus housing handbook for an explanation of the procedures involving decisions by Resident Directors.) are appealed to the Director of Residence and Campus Life (or Designee).
      2. Decisions rendered by the Residence and Campus Life Director (or Designee) and the Campus Security Coordinator (or Designee) are appealed to the Vice President for Student Services (or Designee).
      3. Decisions rendered by the Vice President for Student Services (or Designee) are appealed to the Student Appeals Board, which represents the final disciplinary authority for Northwest College.

See Student Appeals Board Process and Procedures.

Informal Complaint Procedures

The informal complaint procedure is a verbal process which must be started within two weeks (ten working days) from the date of the alleged event. Students may initiate informal complaints concerning any decision or action related to campus life which they consider unfair and which is not addressed by the following:

1. General Code of Student Conduct
2. Instructional Complaint Procedure

Steps

Step 1. It is strongly recommended that the complaint be discussed initially between the persons involved since most misunderstandings and problems can be resolved in this manner. The college Grievance Officer or a person acceptable to both parties as a mediator is strongly suggested as a means of successfully resolving issues at this level through discussion and compromise. If the complainant genuinely believes there is a communication barrier between the parties involved, the mediator can communicate the complaint to the respondent. The mediator will secure a written information release from the complainant before proceeding.

Step 2. If the complaint is student to student and the complainant is unable to resolve the problem on a one-to-one basis, the complainant should take the complaint to the Vice President for Student Services (or Designee) or the Residence and Campus Life Director (or Designee)with issues occurring in or involving residential facilities. If the complaint is against a college staff member, the complainant should be taken to the appropriate department director. If the complaint involves a director, the complainant should notify the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The appropriate administrator will consider information as to the nature of the complaint, the identity of any individuals involved and the actions taken, thus far, by all involved parties to resolve the complaint.

The administrator considering the information will have ten working days to attempt to resolve the complaint. A written record will be kept by the administrator who is involved with resolving the complaint.

If the above steps do not result in a solution, the complainant may file a formal written complaint, which will be processed according to the Formal Complaint Procedure outlined below.

Formal Complaint Procedures

If the complainant has been unable to resolve a complaint or problem using the Informal Grievance Procedure, the complainant may proceed with the steps below.

There are a maximum of two steps for a formal complaint which is a written process. The first step is filing a written statement with the appropriate director. If this is unsatisfactory, the second step is filing a written statement with the appropriate vice president. The decision of the appropriate vice president is final.

Steps

Step 1. The Formal Grievance Procedure begins with a written statement which must be filed within ten working days after the failure to resolve the complaint informally.

The written statement from the complainant shall contain the following:

1. A concise statement of the grievance, including:
   1. a description of the alleged events and action(s) of all parties involved,
   2. the date of the alleged occurrence,
   3. the place of the occurrence of the alleged events, and
2. The relief or remedy sought by the complainant.
3. Solutions which were proposed and why they were unacceptable.

In reviewing the complaint, the appropriate director (or Designee) shall request written statements from the respondent or anyone else involved. These individuals have five working days after the date the request is received from the appropriate director (or Designee) to submit any written statements they wish to be considered. The reviewing director (or Designee) also has the right to request additional information.

A copy of the written decision of the director (or Designee) will be sent to the complainant and respondent within ten working days of the receipt of all pertinent information (including face-to-face interviews if necessary).

If the complaint involved a director, the written statement should be submitted to the appropriate vice president (or Designee) by the complainant within ten working days following receipt of the written decision:

Step 2. If the complainant or respondent are not satisfied with the written decision of the appropriate director (or Designee), the following shall be submitted to the appropriate vice president (or Designee) within ten working days following receipt of the written decision:

1. The original, written statement of the complaint,
2. The written decision of the director,
3. A written statement explaining why the complainant or respondent is dissatisfied with the decision of the appropriate director.

Any written statements from other parties, which may have been obtained by the reviewing director (or Designee), will be forwarded to the vice president (or Designee) by the director (or Designee).

The vice president (or Designee) shall respond with a written decision to the complainant and respondent within ten working days of the receipt of all pertinent information (including face-to-face interviews if necessary). The decision of the vice president (or Designee) is final as pertains to the complaint process.

Sanctions

Letter of Warning

This is the minimum sanction issued to a student found to have engaged in misconduct. This sanction may not be deferred.

Educational Session

Attending an educational session may be imposed in lieu of, or in addition to other sanctions given. This sanction may not be deferred.

College Community Restitution Project

A student may be required to complete a supervised College Community Restitution Project. Results of this project are placed in a student’s disciplinary file. These are scheduled on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to Noon (dates TBA). This sanction may not be deferred.

Fines

Fines may be imposed when appropriate. This sanction may not be deferred.

Restitution

Restitution may be imposed for property damage or loss, or for personal injury. This sanction may not be deferred.

Dismissal from Residence Halls

This sanction means that a student must check out of the residence hall within 48 hours of receiving notice, and may not apply for re-admittance for a specified period of time (but not less than one semester). The Residence and Campus Life Director reserves the right to waive the 48 hour dismissal time in cases of where there is potential of harm to self or others. In addition, the student may be barred from visiting one or all of the residence halls for a stated period of time. Students “dismissed” from the residence halls are not eligible for room and board refunds or dining hall usage, and may also be expelled from the college. This sanction may be deferred.

There are times when a college must ask individuals to leave its premises for a variety of reasons. This does not include individuals lawfully on the college’s premises, nor will the removal of individuals violate their constitutional or statutory rights. In accordance W.S.S.6.3.303, any individual who is not a faculty member, staff member or student of a college may be required to leave the college’s premises if the individual: (a) interferes with the peaceful conduct of college activities; (b) commits an act which interferes with the peaceful conduct of the college’s activities.

Written notice to vacate the property and grounds will be provided to the individual. The notice will include the name of the individual and that date. If the recipient of the notice fails to leave the college’s property without permission from the President or his/her designated officer, he/she shall be deemed to be trespassing and will be subject to arrest for trespassing.

In addition, NWC students may be “banned” from specific buildings on campus when they have been found to violate the NWC Code of Conduct.

Disciplinary Probation

This indicates that the student’s continued enrollment at Northwest College is conditional for a specified period of time. It requires the student to demonstrate that she/he can act in a manner consistent with college standards.

In addition, the hearing officer or board may impose specific restrictions or obligations on the student. Examples of restrictions include, but are not limited to: restricting participation in college activities such as athletics, dances and performing groups. Examples of obligations include, but are not limited to, informing faculty or other advisers about the probation, and requiring attendance at specified meetings or educational sessions.

Should the student fail to fulfill specified conditions, the student shall be subject to further sanction(s).

Disciplinary Suspension

The Vice President for Student Services (or the Vice President for Academic Affairs in matters of academic dishonesty) or an appointed college official, may impose disciplinary suspension.

Written notification will be provided to the student regarding the conditions to be met for consideration for reinstatement and/or describe the timeline of the investigation that could lead to a permanent suspension. Notification will be hand-delivered by a college official. (Off-campus mail that cannot be hand delivered will be mailed to student’s last known permanent address.)

Suspension may terminate any or all of the following until a stated condition(s) is met:

• enrollment
• housing contract
• meal plan
• class attendance
• participation in any college activities
• presence on college property when reasonable cause exists to believe the student poses a threat to self, others or property, or a threat to disrupt college functions or activities.

A student who has been suspended for violating the General Code of Student Conduct or the Academic Code of Conduct may be reinstated to good standing at the end of the suspension period if all stated conditions are met. The student must apply for reinstatement in writing to the Vice President for Student Services (or the Vice President for Academic Affairs in matters violating the Academic Code of Conduct). Readmission is not guaranteed. Students suspended from the college may be required to pay all college expenses owed for that semester. Generally, refunds for tuition and/or room and board will not be issued.

NOTE: In situations in which the Vice President for Student Services feels a student may pose a threat to themselves or others in the campus community she/he may temporarily suspend (typically not to exceed 10 working days) the student until formal disposition of the case is arranged. The formal hearing must take place in a reasonable period of time after the suspension takes effect.

Withdrawal

If a student chooses to withdraw from college, the case will not be adjudicated unless the student enrolls in a subsequent semester.

Expulsion

Expulsion terminates a student’s enrollment and their right to future enrollment. After the student is given an opportunity for a full due process hearing, only the Vice President for Student Services, with approval of the President of the College, may expel a student for non-academic misconduct. In matters violating the Academic Code of Conduct, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, with approval of the President of the College, may expel a student subject to the procedures for academic expulsion as set forth in this handbook. Notification will be hand delivered by Campus Security Coordinator or other college official. (Off campus mail that cannot be hand delivered will be mailed to student’s last known permanent address.)

A student has a right to a hearing who's Code of Conduct violation may result in expulsion. If a hearing takes place, the hearing body will typically include the Vice President for Student Services, the Campus Security Coordinator, the Campus and Residence Life Director and the Judicial Affairs Director. The Vice President for Student Services (or Designee) will Chair the hearing. Other individuals may be added at the discretion of the Chair.

Unless waived by the Vice President for Student Services, students expelled from the college are required to pay all college expenses owed for that semester. Refunds for tuition and/or room and board will not be issued.

Other Sanctions

Other sanctions may be imposed instead of or in addition to specific sanctions listed in this section. These include but are not limited to fines, restricted access to certain places or people on campus, participation in counseling as a condition to request a return to campus, and/or loss of privileges. Any such sanctions shall be provided in writing in a timely manner to the student by the appropriate vice president.

Records of Sanctions

• The Vice President for Student Services Office maintains violation of the General Code of Student Conduct records. A copy of the written notification and conditions to be met may be placed in the student’s permanent file.
• The Vice President for Academic Affairs Office maintains violations of Academic Code of Conduct records. Should the student receive a sanction, a copy of the ultimate decision may be placed in the student’s permanent file.
• The Residence and Campus Life Office maintains violations of the Residence Life Policies records.

Academic Integrity Violations

Academic integrity violations include but are not limited to the following:

• plagiarism
• cheating
• trafficking
• copyright infringement
• interfering with the learning of other students

Affirmation of Personal Dignity

NWC holds as basic, the integrity and well-being of every person in the community. Therefore the College prohibits actions or activities which intentionally or recklessly:

• cause or threaten mental or physical harm, suffering, or exhaustion.
• demean the dignity and personhood of any individual.
• interfere with a person’s academic or professional pursuits.

Examples of such actions include, but are not limited to: verbal threats or abuse, harassment, intimidation, stalking, threatened or actual physical assault, provoking or engaging in physical fights, and consistent disregard for the rights and welfare of others. (See Stalking, Harassment and Hazing policy also.)

Alcohol

NWC is an alcohol free campus. (See the Residence Hall Guide & Owner’s Manual for specifics on how policy is implemented).

Animals on Campus

Bringing animals into college facilities except those animals serving as Service and Emotional Support Animals (as defined by the American Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act), or those used for academic or law enforcement purposes is prohibited. Although Service Animals that meet the ADA definition are generally allowed anywhere on campus, registration is requested to notify others whose health or safety may be impacted by the animal and to ascertain appropriateness in certain locations. Proper authorization must be acquired PRIOR to bringing Service and Emotional Support Animals into the Residence Halls. Once approved, Emotional Support Animals are limited to the student’s residence. Please contact Disability Support Services (307-754-6227) if you need information about use of service and support animals in college facilities.

Arson

A person deliberately setting fires may be dismissed from the college and referred to local law enforcement officials.

Assault and Sexual Offenses

• Physical assault, which includes but is not limited to: physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature or physical interference with a person which prevents the person from conducting his/her customary or usual affairs, puts the person in fear for his/her physical safety, or causes the person to suffer actual physical injury.
• Sexual intercourse without consent, sexual assault or any other non-consensual conduct of a sexual nature.

Behavior of Guests at NWC

Students who bring guests to campus and college events are responsible for informing the guest(s) of appropriate conduct and may be held responsible for the guest’s conduct.

Building Security

Unauthorized presence in, or unauthorized use of keys to campus buildings or residence hall rooms, including tampering with locks, duplicating or lending keys, or use of unauthorized keys, is prohibited. Locked or closed buildings, areas (e.g., roofs, balconies, etc.) and rooms may be entered only with permission of supervisory personnel.

NOTE: All members of the college community are responsible for the security of their buildings. In the residence halls students are expected to keep entrance and room doors locked, and are urged to report the presence of unescorted guests or strangers to hall staff members or to Residence and Campus Life.

Concern for People and Property

Students are expected to use common sense and good judgement in all areas where safety, security, health, and cleanliness are concerned. Students participating in activities which may cause damage or constitute a safety or health hazard are subject to disciplinary action. Such activities include, but are not limited to: entering or exiting buildings through the windows; throwing, projecting or dropping items that may cause injury or damage; improper disposal of trash; and “pranks” or actions that intentionally, recklessly or negligently create safety, security or health hazards for others and/or cause damage to college or private property.

Confiscation of Possessions

The college reserves the right to confiscate items considered illegal, hazardous or harmful to the community.

Contractual Obligations

Students enter into many types of contracts (e.g. housing, financial aid, promissory notes) during their association with the college. The college considers a signed contract to be a student commitment to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in the documents. Students are expected to be familiar with the contents of each contract before signing the document.

Dining Area Conduct

Students who disrupt the dining of others through inappropriate action (e.g. food fights, littering, foul language, contaminating foods) may be removed from the dining area and are subject to disciplinary action.

Disruption of College Business

Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, meetings of college committees, boards, or any authorized college activity on or off-campus is prohibited.

Drugs and Narcotics

No student shall possess, use, distribute, manufacture, or sell illegal drugs on campus. See the Alcohol and Drug section in this handbook.

Ethical Equipment Use

Use of any college equipment for personal use or gain is strictly prohibited.

False Information, Non-Cooperation, Belligerence

Students refusing or failing to cooperate or comply with official requests made by members of the college community or staff can expect such behavior to be noted and considered in any disciplinary decision made. Students who knowingly provide false information to staff members, or who in any way harass or attempt to prevent staff members from conducting their normal duties will be subject to severe disciplinary action.

Family Members on Campus

It is the policy of Northwest College to discourage the extended presence of children or other family members in the learning and working environment of the campus. Any exceptions to the policy must be requested and approved in advance by the appropriate supervisory personnel. Faculty members will determine reasonableness in allowing children or other guests to accompany students to class or classroom activities.

This policy does not preclude family members from visiting college employees or students for short periods of time, but rather is intended to avoid situations in which the extended presence of a family member may hinder the orderly functioning of the college, its employees, and its students.

It is the expectation of Northwest College that family members or children will conduct themselves in a non-disruptive manner while present in the working and/or learning environment. Employees and students will assume responsibility for the actions of their children or family members when those individuals visit the college. On such visits, the employee or student shall monitor the activities of his or her family members to ensure:

• college property is not damaged or misused.
• college employees are not hampered in the performance of their duties or responsibilities.
• classes, college events or public meetings are not disrupted.
• the safety of employees, children, and members of the public while on college property.

Fire Alarms and Equipment

Everyone must evacuate the building and proceed to a designated Emergency Assembly Site for that building and participate in the Accountability Process when the fire alarm sounds. Obstructing or discouraging participation in building evacuations, and/or participating in pranks, jokes, or other intentional acts involving fire (e.g., tampering with alarms, extinguishers or smoke alarms, fire sprinkler systems) is prohibited.

Firearms, Explosives and Weapons

Items potentially hazardous to members of the campus community are prohibited. These include, but are not limited to: guns, firecrackers or other explosives, live ammunition, flares, large knives, and swords. Gun lockers are available for students living on campus through the Campus Security Coordinator in the DeWitt Student Center. All target and hunting weapons and ammunition must be checked in with the Campus Security Coordinator. If you choose not to store any weapons with the Security Coordinator, weapons must be stored off campus. Students violating this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.

Freedom of Expression

Students who function and live in a college environment are encouraged to exercise freedom of expression, but must also understand that such freedom is not public license to act in an inappropriate manner. Every student has the right to express a personal opinion as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others or disrupt community or college functions.

Gambling

Gambling of any kind is prohibited on the campus.

Guest/Visitor Expectations

Students, and/or visitors, who visit the campus are expected to abide by all regulations specified in the Housing License Agreement and Contract, the Residence Hall Handbook, the Trapper Village Apartment Handbook and the Student Handbook. These guides are available from Residence and Campus Life or by contacting any member of the residence hall staff.

Hate Crimes

A “hate crime” is one in which the victim is selected intentionally because of his or her actual or perceived gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/nationality or disability.

Illegal/Disruptive Conduct

• Violation of federal, state or local law or college policies, rules or regulations.
• Acting to impair, interfere with or obstruct orderly conduct, processes and function of the college, including:
  1. Violence or threat of violence against self or any member or guest to the college community;
  2. interference with the freedom of movement of any member or guest of the college;
  3. interference with the rights of others to enter, use or leave any college facility, service or activity;
  4. obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures or other college activities, or of other authorized activities on college premises;
  5. failure to comply with directions of law enforcement officers and college officials acting in the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to those persons when requested;
  6. trespassing or unauthorized entry into college buildings or property.

Incapacitation Policy

Northwest College continues the commitment to be aware of students experiencing severe alcohol or drug consumption, which may warrant medical attention. An incapacitated person is one who as a result of the use of (or withdrawal from) alcohol or other drugs, is unconscious and has his/her judgment impaired so that s/he is in jeopardy of harming self, others, or property. Northwest College reserves the right to call the police or ambulance service and all costs incurred will be the responsibility of the student.

Information Technology Responsible Use Policy Excerpts

(Copies of the complete policy available from Vice President for Academic Affairs’s office or Vice President for Student’s Office)

All users of Northwest College computing resources must comply with all federal, Wyoming, and other applicable law; all generally applicable college rules and policies; and all applicable contracts and licenses. Examples include, but are not limited to, the laws of:

• libel,
• privacy,
• copyright,
• trademark,
• downloading of music,
• downloading of child pornography,
• the Electronic Communications Privacy Act,
• the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which prohibits “hacking,” “cracking,” and similar activities,
• the college’s code of student conduct,
• the college’s sexual harassment policy,
• and all applicable software licenses.

When a student of Northwest College is found to be in violation of this policy, the individual case will be handled in accordance with the terms of the student handbook. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

Appeals of any disciplinary action will be handled in accordance with the student handbook.

Users should be aware that their uses of college computing resources are not completely private. The college has access to any information on a college computer or on the college network. Appropriate copyright laws and related handbook policies will be honored. Users should utilize college computing services with this awareness. The college does not routinely monitor individual usage of its computing resources. However, the college may also specifically monitor the activity and accounts of individual users of college computing resources, including individual login sessions and communications, without notice, when —

• the user has voluntarily made them accessible to the public, as by posting to Usenet or a Web page;
• it reasonably appears necessary to do so to protect the integrity, security, or functionality of college or other computing resources or to protect the college from liability;
• there is reasonable cause to believe that the user has violated, or is violating, this policy;
• an account appears to be engaged in unusual or unusually excessive activity, as indicated by the monitoring of general activity and usage patterns; or
• it is otherwise required or permitted by law.

Any such individual monitoring, other than that specified above, required by law, or necessary to respond to perceived emergency situations, must be authorized in advance by the Computing Services Director or the Director’s designees.

The college, in its discretion, may disclose the results of any such general or individual monitoring, including the contents and records of individual communications, to appropriate college personnel or law enforcement agencies and may use those results in appropriate college disciplinary proceedings.

Intoxicated or Drunken Behavior

Intoxicated behavior that endangers self or others, or brings discredit to the college is prohibited. Intoxicated behavior is considered a violation of the campus alcohol policy. (See Residence Hall Guide for Incapacitation Policy in effect in the Residence Halls, college apartments, and college-sponsored activities.)

Missing Student Policy

1. All students living in on-campus housing (Ashley Hall, Cody Hall, Colter Hall, Lewis and Clark Hall, Simpson Hall, Trapper Village Main Apartments and Trapper Village West Apartments) must identify and provide confidential contact information. Students must register this confidential contact information at the beginning of each semester by completing the Emergency Notification Card when checking in to your assigned residence hall or apartment. This policy will also be available on-line by going to the Student Handbook link. Each student will be responsible for keeping the confidential contact information updated and current. A student living in on-campus housing will not be considered missing if they have provided information about their intended whereabouts. Further, a student living in on-campus housing will not be considered missing if they are gone during recognized College holidays and/or breaks. The security of the contact information will be maintained by the Residence and Campus Life Office.
2. Any report of a missing student, from any source, should immediately be directed to Campus Security (754.6067) and the Director of Residence and Campus Life. Once this is reported, the Vice President for Student Services (754.6100) will be notified immediately and will implement the following steps:
   • The Campus Security Officer and/or Director of Residence and Campus Life will initiate an investigation to determine the validity of the missing student report.
   • Make a determination as to the status of the missing student.
   • Notify the individual identified by the missing student as their emergency contact within 24 hours of making the determination that the student is missing (this applies to students that are emancipated or eighteen (18) years of age or older).
   • If the missing student is under the age of eighteen (18), notify the student’s custodial parent(s) or guardian(s) as contained in the records of the College within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing.
   • Notify the Powell Police Department within 24 hours after determining that the student is missing.
   • During this initial process, the Vice President for Student Services will notify the College President and the other Vice Presidents.

Upon notification from any entity that a student may be missing, Northwest College may use any of the following resources to assist in locating the student. These resources may be used in any order and combination.

Through the Residence and Campus Life Office, the Resident Director (RD) or Resident Assistants (RA) may be asked to assist in physically locating the student by Keying into the student’s assigned room or apartment (following the procedures outlined in the housing and apartment guides) and talking with known associates.

• Security may search on campus public locations to try and locate the student (library, dining hall, etc.).
• The Vice President for Student Services may issue an ID picture to assist in identifying the missing student.
• The Vice President for Student Services (or Vice President’s designee) may try to contact known family, friends, or faculty/staff members for last sighting or additional contact information.
• Student Services or academic departments may be contacted to seek information on last sighting or other contact information.
• Campus security may access vehicle registration information for vehicle location and distribution to authorities.
• Computing Services Department may be asked to look up email logs for last login and use of Northwest College email system.

If there is any indication of foul play, the Campus Security Officer will notify the Powell Police Department for immediate assistance.

Misuse of Electronic Devices

Cellular phones, tablets and other electronic devices shall not be used in a manner that causes disruption in the classroom, library or within any college owned or college operated facility. Abuse of cellular devices with photographic capabilities, for purposes of photographing test questions or other notes and materials is prohibited. Photographing individuals in secured areas such as bathrooms, locker rooms and other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, and/or taking photographs of any person without expressed permission is strictly prohibited.

Noise

Students must realize that in a community setting, and especially in an academic environment, consideration for others is a very important factor. While some amount of noise is bound to occur, students who consistently infringe on the rights of others by maintaining unacceptable noise levels will be subject to disciplinary action. Students are expected to comply with all designated quiet areas and hours.

On-Campus Living Requirement

Contact the Residence and Campus Life Office or the Admissions Office. In most instances, students under the age of 21 and enrolled in nine or more credit hours are required to live in college residence halls their first two semesters. Exceptions are made for Freshman age 21 or over; Freshmen who are married or are single parents with custody of child(ren); students who have completed two semesters of full-time credit at NWC or another college/university; or Freshmen who are living with parents or legal guardian full-time. Other exceptions must be approved by the Director of Residence and Campus Life.

Priority for college housing is given to students enrolled for a minimum of nine credit hours each semester. Part-time students are eligible to live in the Residence Halls as space permits. Dropping to part-time status from full-time status does NOT cancel a housing contract.

Property Damage or Theft

Students responsible for the damage, destruction or theft of college or personal property are subject to one or more of the following: prosecution for criminal charges, paying the cost of repair, replacement or recovery of the property; and/or college disciplinary action.

Retaliation

Retaliation is any conduct which serves as a reprisal with the actual or perceived intent of causing physical or psychological pain, fear, or intimidation to an individual who has initiated a complaint (any violation of the General Code of Student Conduct) with the institution. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome or repeated contacts by telephone, by letter, by electronic communication, in person, or by third party; damaging or vandalizing personal property; offensive acts/gestures; overt threats, whether or not they were actually carried out; or any conduct that would instill fear and trepidation in the victim.

Sexual Misconduct

See Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Smoking Policy

Northwest College is a non-smoking campus. This means that, except as designated otherwise by the Administration, smoking is prohibited in all college buildings. Smoking is allowed outside all college buildings.

Stalking, Harassment, and Hazing

 

Stalking

 

Stalking means engaging in a course of conduct, either directly or indirectly, that is directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:

• fear for his or her safety or the safety of others OR

• suffer substantial emotional distress

The National Center for Victims of Crime expands the definition of stalking. Stalking is a pattern of behaviors that make a person feel afraid, nervous, harassed, or in danger. It could involve repeated contact, following a person, sending someone items, unwanted verbal contact, or threats. Stalking behaviors can include:

• knowing a person’s schedule

• showing up at places where the desired person is

• sending someone emails, mail, and pictures

• calling or texting someone repeatedly

• contacting someone on social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

• posting about someone on social networking sites

• damaging someone’s property

• creating a web site about someone

• stealing items that belong to someone

• any other acts to contact, harass, track, or frighten a person (National Center for Victims of Crime)

 

Stalking is a type of sexual misconduct.

Harassment

 

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, verbal, graphic and/or written abuse directed at another, beyond a reasonable expression of opinion, which:

• is threatening or carries with it the intention to do mental or physical harm, or

• substantially interferes with a person’s exercise of his/her responsibilities as a student, faculty or staff member.

 

Hazing

 

Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any conduct or method of initiation, admission or condition of continued membership in any student organization which:

• endangers the physical or mental health or safety of any student or other person, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest; forced consumption of food, liquor, beverage, or drugs; beating or branding; involuntary confinement or imprisonment, or

• destroys, vandalizes or removes public or private property.

Student Elections

Tampering with the election of any recognized student organization is prohibited.

Other College Policies

Violations of any other published college policies or regulations regarding student conduct including, but not limited to those published in the student handbook, college catalog, class schedule, and campus housing handbooks.

Other Misconduct

Any other conduct not included above, which adversely affects either the function of the college or the educational pursuits of the members of the college community.

Appeals Process and Procedure

1. The Appellant must submit a written appeal statement to the Board Chair's office within two working days after sanction has been imposed/upheld. Appeals of academic policy must be made within one year of the end of the semester for which the policy is being appealed. The written statement will be dated on receipt. For information on how to submit an appeal, contact the Chair of the Appeals Board. The Chair will send a copy of this letter to all involved parties.
2. The Board will hear behavioral and academic appeals at the scheduled available meeting time following receipt of the written appeal, provided College is in session. The Board Chair may delay the hearing to another scheduled meeting for extenuating circumstances with the approval of both Appellant and Respondent.
3. A copy of the appeal request will be provided at least two working days prior to the hearing (if time allows) to each Board member as well as other involved parties or academic division personnel, and others identified by the Chair.
4. The Appellant has the right to be present for his/her hearing, but need not be present if choosing to waive this right.
5. The Appellant and Respondent may each present supporting documents and three witnesses. Both are responsible for timely appearance of their witnesses.
6. All documents and witness lists presented by the Appellant and Respondent should be copied by them and made available to the other as well as to Board members.
7. Legal counsel cannot represent the Respondent or the Appellant at the hearing, nor can legal counsel be present at the hearing.
8. The appeal meeting is closed, and its deliberations are confidential.
9. A quorum is 3/5 of the voting members. Voting members are the three faculty and two students, with the Chair voting only to break a tie.
10. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice President member of the Board who is least directly involved in the hearing will serve as Chair.
11. The Board will convene and the hearing is called to order by the Chair. The Secretary appointed by Student Services is recording secretary and will record the members present, the motion and results. The Board reviews the student written appeal. The Appellant is summoned to the meeting and may expand or explain his/her written statement.
12. The Respondent is then summoned to provide information to the Board, absent the Appellant. Witnesses are called one at a time, and respond to questions from Board members. The Appellant and Respondent will have the right to question witnesses in front of the board. The Appellant may make a final statement.
13. The Board enters executive session and discusses the appeal evidence presented, then comes to a decision by vote.
14. The Appellant is verbally notified during the next two working days by the Chair. A written notification of the decision agreed to by the Board will be sent to the involved parties within five working days. The Chair also may share general information with the Respondent in the event that the Board suggests that the department might wish to consider making changes related to current procedures which led to the appeal being filed.
15. With the agreement of the Appellant and Respondent and at the discretion of the Chair, some academic cases may be resolved by distribution of materials to Board members, followed by voting via e-mail.
16. An official, confidential record of Appeals meetings is to be maintained by the Grievance Officer. A copy of a letter confirming the Board's decision will be forwarded to the appropriate Vice President or other personnel to be placed in either the Appellant's academic or behavioral file, whichever is appropriate.
17. The Student Appeals Board is the final procedure constituted by the College for all matters within its purview. Decisions made by the Appeals Board are final.

Special Sessions

1. End of Term - During the last 14 days of each term, hearing officers may consider complaint reports within 24 hours of meeting notice. Complaint reports not reviewed in meetings before the end of the term will be reviewed (without the presence of the student(s) named on the report) by the Director of Residence and Campus Life and a panel of Student Services representatives. Notification of decisions and sanctions will be by mail. Appeals for End of Term decisions may be heard during the first week of classes of the next semester. Individuals appealing dismissal from the residence halls, disciplinary suspension, and expulsion will not be permitted to register until their appeal has been reviewed and a decision has been made.
2. Special Procedures - The Vice President for Student Services may immediately review emergencies or unusual circumstances in which student conduct interferes seriously with the right of others, with the normal ongoing work and activities of the College, or poses possible danger to the health, safety, and welfare of that individual or other people and property. In reviewing such special situations, the Vice President for Student Services may issue a sanction which may be appealed to the Student Appeals Board in the manner provided for by this policy.

Appeals for Behavioral Misconduct Where Expulsion is Recommended

1. Where a decision has been made to expel a student for behavioral misconduct, the student shall have the right to request a full contested case hearing before the Student Appeals Board. If a contested hearing is requested, the rules governing the contested case hearing shall be the Rules of Practice Governing Contested Cases Before the Board of Trustees of Northwest Community College, State of Wyoming (Chapter XI). For purposes of hearings before the Student Appeals Board, those rules shall apply with the following modifications:
   1. The reference to "Board" shall mean the Student Appeals Board.
   2. The reference to "President" shall mean the Chair of the Student Appeals Board.
   3. "Secretary" means the secretary appointed by the Student Appeals Board.

Residence Life Appeal

A student who has been sanctioned with dismissal from the Residence Halls by the Residence and Campus Life Director (or Designee), and the sanction has been upheld by the Vice President for Student Services (or Designee), may further appeal by writing a letter to the Student Appeals Board and delivering it to the Student Grievance Officer. This process must begin within two working days following the receipt of the official letter from the Vice President for Student Services (or Designee).

• Your appeal letter should be typed and signed in ink, and include your full name, phone number and campus/local mailing address.
• Include your justification, your side of the story – telling what happened at the time of the incident.
• Be prepared to appear in person before the Student Appeals Board to present your case.
• At the discretion of the Chair of the Student Appeals Board, additional witnesses may be requested to speak to the Board on your behalf. Legal counsel cannot represent either the Appellant or the Respondent at the hearing, nor can legal counsel be present at the hearing.

Request for a Withdraw From a Class(es) After the Official Withdrawal Date

Write a letter to the Student Appeals Board. Appeals to academic policy must be made within one year of the end of the semester for which the policy is being appealed.

• Your appeal letter should be typed and include your full name, phone number and campus/local mailing address and should state what you are requesting (e.g. withdrawal from a class after the official withdrawal date.) It should include the complete Course Title, number, and instructor’s name.
• State in a paragraph the extenuating circumstances that have prevented or will prevent your successful completion of the class. Be completely honest in telling your story. Present evidence that you have been in contact with the instructor concerning your status in the class, and, if possible, provide documentation from the instructor in support of your request.

The Student Appeals Board is the final procedure constituted by the college for all matters within its purview. Decisions made by the Students Appeals Board are not grievable.

Article I

Duties And Powers of the Student Senate

1. To meet on a regular basis during the NWC academic year, no less than biweekly, to fulfill duties cited herein.
2. To remain familiar with the ASNWC Constitution and By-Laws during terms served as Student Senate Representatives.
3. To legislate and provide a proper voice on all matters of concern to the ASNWC.
4. To enact any reasonable measure for the good of the student body.
5. To recommend administrative action on policies concerning the general welfare of the ASNWC.
6. To appoint or recommend appointment of Senate members to the standing college committees.
7. To give official recognition to any student organized club without restricted memberships and to approve their constitutions.
8. To review constitutions of ASNWC clubs when deemed necessary.
9. To exercise sanctions against campus affiliated organizations.
10. To request a review by the President of NWC prior to enactment of all matters involving school policy or administrative regulations.
11. To maintain and manage the student hangout, the OASIS, by developing and maintaining a plan of regular hours of operation. Volunteers, student employees and Senators may be employed to work in the OASIS. Senate must also approve the scheduling of events in the OASIS.
12. To maintain regular office hours in the OASIS during its hours of operation.
13. To supervise all other ASNWC student clubs and organizations.

Article II

Duties and Powers of Officers

Section A. President

1. To call for and preside at meetings of the Student Senate with speaking privileges.
2. To exercise the right to vote in the event of a tie, or during any committee meetings that the President is a voting member of.
3. To preside over Executive Officer Committee meetings.
4. To regularly attend the NWC Board of Trustees meetings.
5. To serve as a student representative on the Student Appeals Board or appoint a designee from Senate.
6. To serve as a student representative on the College Council Committee.
7. To make recommendations to the Senate regarding the ASNWC budget in cooperation with the Treasurer.
8. To call for and preside over special meetings if necessary.9. To keep and maintain an office of the ASNWC to a reasonable degree which will be determined by the Senate.

Section B. Vice President–Voting Member

1. To transact the duties of the President should he or she for any reason be unable to carry out the Presidential duties.
2. To exercise the right to vote except when serving as President, when a vote may only be cast in the event of a tie.
3. To assist the President in administering the business of the Senate.
4. To serve as chair of the Elections Committee or to appoint a chair, with Senate approval.
5. To keep the Senate informed of the progress of all Senate committees involved with external activities.
6. To serve as a student representative on the Student Appeals Board.
7. To serve as a student representative on College Council Committee.

Section C. Student Activities Board Chairperson–Voting Member

1. To serve as Chairperson of the NWC Student Activities Board.
2. To provide the Senate with a weekly report featuring all activities planned through the Student Activities Board and updates of past events.
3. To maintain an accurate record of all active clubs, including their advisors and officers and to have a copy of each constitution on file.
4. To transact the duties of the President and Vice President should he or she for any reason be unable to carry out the duties.

Section D. Secretary–Voting Member

1. To keep and maintain in narrative form an accurate record of all Student Senate meetings.
2. To compile and maintain an accurate record of all legislation and/or resolutions passed by the Student Senate.
3. To manage all Senate/ASNWC related correspondence.
4. To maintain a file of additional copies of minutes for future reference.
5. To post the Senate minutes in a public place following each meeting.
6. To transact the duties of the President, Vice President and Activities Board Chairperson should he or she for any reason be unable to carry out the duties.

Section E. Treasurer–Voting Member

1. To serve as chair of the Budget Allocations Committee.
2. To keep an accurate record of all receipts, appropriations and expenditures of the ASNWC and Senate.
3. To submit a current financial report at each regular Senate meeting.
4. To complete required paperwork, according to the Business Office, for all expenditures.
5. To transact the duties of the President, Vice President, Activities Board Chairperson and Secretary should he or she for any reason be unable to carry out the duties.

Section F. Public Relations/Historian–Voting Member

1. To maintain an organized record of all Senate documentation. Records should be kept both physically (in the Senate office) and electronically. If Senate requests information from past events, the Public Relations/Historian will have until a date specified by Senate to search records and report back to Senate.
2. To manage all Senate-approved marketing.

Section G. General Representatives–Voting Members

1. To represent the interests of the ASNWC.
2. To assist the Senate by serving on its standing and special committees, as well as NWC Faculty/Staff committees.

Article III

Duties and Powers of Advisors

1. Advisors have the power and duty to assist the Student Senate in all issues regarding the ASNWC.

Article IV

Standing Committees

Section A. Executive Committee

1. The Executive Committee will consist of the five (5) Student Senate Executive Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Student Activities Board Chairperson.
2. The President will be the presiding officer.
3. This committee will deal with matters pertaining to the ASNWC or Senate.
4. In the event of a tie, the Senate will, during a regular meeting, decide the outcome with a majority vote.

Section B. Election Committee

1. The Election Committee will consist of five (5) Senate members, including the Vice President.
2. The Vice President will act as chairperson.
3. This committee will deal with matters pertaining to Senate elections.

Section C. Budget Allocations Committee

1. The Budget Allocations Committee will consist of five (5) Senate members, including the Treasurer.
2. The Treasurer will act as chairperson.
3. This committee will deal with matters pertaining to allocations of Senate funds.

Section D. Club Oversight Committee

1. The Club Oversight Committee will consist of five (5) Senate members, including the Student Activities Board Chairperson.
2. The Student Activities Board Chairperson will act as chairperson.
3. This committee will deal with matters pertaining to ASNWC clubs.

Section E. Campus Improvement Committee

1. The Campus Improvement Committee will consist of (5) Senate members.
2. Any of the committee members may be elected chair at a regular Senate meeting.
3. This committee will deal with matters pertaining to issues on the NWC campus.

Section F. OASIS Committee

1. The OASIS Committee will consist of five (5) Senate members.
2. Any of the committee members may be elected chair at a regular Senate meeting.
3. This committee will deal with matters pertaining to the OASIS student hangout.

Section G. Legislation Committee

1. The Legislation Committee will consist of five (5) Senate members.
2. Any of the committee members may be elected chair at a regular Senate meeting.
3. This committee will deal with matters pertaining to legislation that may have an effect on ASNWC members by:
   1. Keeping track of current and proposed legislation at the federal, state and local levels.
   2. Conferring with NWC and the ASNWC to determine their legislative goals and needs.
   3. Maintaining active participation with all legislative organizations that the Senate decides to join and maintain continuation of Senate membership with them.
   4. Keep well informed as to when and where upcoming legislation sessions are occurring and how plausible/feasible attendance to each would be.

Article V

1. Campaign posters may be placed on designated bulletin boards throughout the campus. Materials may not be placed in the library nor on the outside or inside of any doors or windows of any campus building. Placing stakes in the ground is not permissible either. On election day(s), all campaigning materials will be removed from the voting area(s) by senators.
2. Obscene, slanderous, libelous and highly suggestive campaign materials and behaviors are unacceptable. Candidates and their supporters will neither deface nor remove posters of other candidates.
3. There is no limit on the number of posters or literature a candidate may utilize, however, expenditures cannot exceed $50 per candidate. This includes donations from others as well as personal funds used. Candidates must keep a log of expenses and donations. Receipts must be kept and donor signatures obtained. The completed campaign expenditures form must be turned in to the NWC Housing Office (Dewitt Student Center, Room 222) unless a different location is specified on the application. This must be done by no later than the date and time printed on the application.
4. Following the election, all campaign material must be removed within forty-eight (48) hours. Candidates may contact the NWC Physical Plant to receive cleaning supplies. This is the responsibility of each candidate. If not completed, elected candidates may lose their eligibility and be charged a cleaning fee. Students not elected may be charged a cleaning fee.
5. Complaints of rule violations must be in written form and submitted to the Housing Office (Dewitt Student Center, Room 222) or the location specified on the application to be reviewed by the Senate Election Committee, which will determine if there has indeed been a violation and the consequences that shall be given. Consequences may include ineligibility and removal from ballot.
6. In order to be eligible to run for Office, candidates must read all rules located on their application and sign their name, agreeing to comply with the rules stated.

Article VI

Adoption and Amendments of By-Laws

1. Any member of the ASNWC can initiate amendments by presenting them to the Student Senate, in printed form, a copy of the proposed amendments for each voting member, at least one week prior to voting.
2. These By-Laws may be amended at any regular Senate meeting, provided members received a copy two (2) weeks in advance, with a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of Senate members.