Student Policies

I. Purpose:

The Student Conduct policy (Reynolds Policy 1-35) is designed to promote a safe and healthy environment that is conducive to learning. The procedures for implementation of this policy are provided below.

II. Procedure and/or Process Definitions:

Behavioral Intervention Team: team that provides assessment of and intervention with individuals whose behavior pose a threat to the safety of the campus community. (See Code of Virginia, Section 23.1-805, Violence prevention committee; threat assessment team, or Reynolds Policy No. 1-22, Behavioral Intervention, for greater definition of the role and scope of the team.)

Preponderance of evidence: the standard of judgement that indicates that the weight of the evidence to convince the fact-finder that the issue in question is more likely true than not. Provides definitions of key terms relevant to these procedures.

Sanctions: refer to Reynolds Policy 1-35 for full listing.

Violations: refer to Reynolds Policy 1-35 for full listing.

IV. Procedures:

A. Sanctions

In the instance that a student is found to be responsible for violating the college's conduct policy, sanctions will be imposed. In general, the goal of the sanction is to educate, rehabilitate, or deter inappropriate behavior, rather than simply punish students.

The severity of the sanction will be in relation to the severity of the violation. Sanctions will be applied consistently so that students violating the same standard or policy receive similar penalties.

The following sanctions may be imposed:

1. admonition: an oral or written statement to a student indicating that the behavior resulting in the reprimand is unacceptable and a violation of Reynolds Policy No. 1-35, Student Conduct. Continuation or repetition of this conduct could result in further disciplinary action.

2. educational project or community-service project: a project or assignment on campus or in the community that will provide the student with the opportunity to observe and learn specific, valued human behaviors related to their conduct (e.g., participation in a leadership seminar, alcohol/drug seminar, or personal development class). Evidence of satisfactory completion will be required. 3. probation: exclusion from the privilege of participation in college-related activities, including the holding of any student office for a specified period

3. probation: exclusion from the privilege of participation in college-related activities, including the holding of any student office for a specified period

4. restitution: the repayment/reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property. This may take the form of acts, services, or other compensation.

5. deactivation of a student organization

6. immediate suspension/trespass warning

7. suspension: exclusion from attending the college as a student for a definite period of time not to exceed one (1) year

8. dismissal/expulsion: permanent separation from the college as a student

Sanctions may be applied separately or in combination with another sanction. Previous behavior or conduct violations will be considered in determining a sanction.

In certain circumstances, a student may be referred for specialized help (e.g., psychological assistance, consultation with a counselor, and/or social service agencies) in lieu of the aforementioned penalties. If this occurs, the student is expected to periodically meet with the dean of students (DOS) or designee who will review the student's progress.

Denial of readmission may be imposed upon a student who has violated Reynolds Policy No. 1-35, Student Conduct, and has withdrawn from the college prior to or during disciplinary proceedings.

The college reserves the right to pursue any and all legal remedies, and such rights and remedies are specifically reserved.

B. Appeals

Students are afforded the opportunity to appeal a decision. An appeal is not a re-hearing. It represents a procedural safeguard for the student and should not be used for anything other than that right and privilege. In the appeal process, the burden of proof is shifted from the college to the student charged with the offense. The student must show that it is more likely than not that one or more of the grounds for appeal have merit. In the event that a student wishes to appeal a decision, the student may appeal based on or more of the following:

1. excessively severe sanction

2. new or newly discovered evidence that may substantially affect the outcome of the hearing

3. procedural error, which substantially affected the outcome of the hearing

C. Records

Disciplinary action may result in the establishment of a disciplinary file in the name of the accused student. If the student is found innocent of charges, the file will be voided and will not result in a disciplinary record for the student. Factors to be considered in record retention include, but are not limited to, present demeanor, conduct of the student subsequent to the violation, and nature of the violation (e.g., severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting from it).

1. Files of students who have been disciplined will be retained a minimum of three (3) years from the date sanctions were imposed. At the discretion of the DOS or designee, the files may be destroyed after three (3) years or kept for a longer period (particularly in cases where the student may be currently enrolled after the three [3] years has passed). Information contained in the files is confidential and may be released only in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

2. If a student is expelled, complete records of the hearing proceedings and all pertinent documents will be maintained permanently by the DOS.

3. Records of all disciplinary actions will be filed in the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success.

V. Other Information:

Code of Virginia, Section 23.1-805, Violence prevention committee; threat assessment team

Reynolds Policy No. 1-22, Behavioral Intervention

Reynolds Policy No. 1-35, Student Conduct

Reynolds Policy No. 2-7, Academic Honesty

Reynolds Policy No. 2-18, Classroom Interruptions

Reynolds Policy No. 2-19, Electronic Devices on Campus

Reynolds Policy No. 4-3, Eating, Drinking, and Smoking in College Facilities

Reynolds Policy No. 4-17, Title IX - Sexual Misconduct

Reynolds Policy No. 4-31, Children and Non-Students on Campus

Reynolds Policy No. 4-32, Use of Computers and Information Technology Resources

JSRCC Form No. 75-0005, Behavior Intervention Referral