Student Conduct and Discipline

Students involved in disciplinary proceedings have the right to be assisted by an adviser of their choice or to have one appointed to them by the college. With the student's written consent, the adviser may receive updates during the adjudication process and participate in the hearing as an advisor or advocate.

Apart from cross-examining district witnesses, an advisor is not permitted to speak on behalf of the student during disciplinary hearing proceedings, while an advocate may not speak at all.

A student may only have one person accompany them during a disciplinary hearing and they may choose whether this person will serve as an advisor or advocate. The student's advisor or advocate will have access to training materials regarding the college's adjudication procedures (training materials and information are below).

If a student elects to bring an advocate or advisor who is also licensed as an attorney, the student must give the office of student affairs five (5) days notice of the name, phone number, and e-mail address of the attorney. The role of the attorney in the student disciplinary process remains limited to that of an advisor or advocate.

The advisors and advocates shall not:

• address the hearing chair, committee members, district witnesses, or the district representative to respond on behalf of the student;
• ask questions about the case or its findings; or
• coach the student on what to say or what to not say during the disciplinary hearing.

An advisor or advocate who disrupts the hearing proceedings (as determined by the dean of students or hearing committee chair) may be asked to leave. Hearings will generally not be delayed due to an advocate or advisor not showing up or attending the proceedings late.

Board Policy 5500 Standards of Conduct
This board policy provides information regarding the college's standards of conduct and the various violations.

Administrative Policy 5520 Student Discipline Procedures
This administrative procedure provides information regarding the college's disciplinary hearing process, which outlines due process rights for students and includes definitions of various terms.

Hearing Process Video
This video outlines how a college disciplinary hearing is conducted as well as the standard of evidence required to find a student responsible for violating the standards of conduct.

Selecting and Advisor or Advocate

If a student chooses to have an advisor or advocate (see definitions below), they must complete this online form.

• Advisors

  An advisor accompanies a student to meetings related to the hearing process and focuses on procedural guidance related to the college's disciplinary process but may not speak on the student's behalf. However, the advisor may cross-examine on the student's behalf. Advisors do not have any other speaking roles during the hearing.

  Advisors may assist a student with:

  1. hearing preparation.
  2. accompanying the student to meetings or hearings related to the disciplinary process.
  3. helping the student prepare for meetings or hearings.
  4. assisting the student in understanding the college policies and procedures.
  5. conducting cross-examination during the disciplinary hearing.
  6. conferring with the student before or after proceedings.
  7. filing appeals.
  8. accessing accommodations.
     
     
• Advocates

  An advocate accompanies a student to meetings related to the hearing process and focuses on providing emotional support and access to resources during the disciplinary process but may not speak on the student's behalf or cross-examine the student.

  Advocates typically assist a student with:

  1. confidential services to students involved in cases of sexual harassment or sexual violence.
  2. coordinating with on-campus resources and community-based organizations.
  3. emotional support.
  4. helping the student prepare for meetings or hearings.
  5. accompanying the student to meetings or hearings related to the disciplinary process as a support person.
  6. assisting the student in understanding college policies and procedures.
  7. conferring with the student before or after proceedings.
  8. filing appeals.
  9. accessing accommodations.

Please note that the college is not required to provide an advocate for disciplinary hearings.

updated April 30, 2025