Policies

Academic Integrity

Policy

Bay College provides opportunities for students to gain the knowledge, skills, judgment, and wisdom they need to function in society as responsible citizens. Plagiarism, falsifying data, and other forms of academic dishonesty are inconsistent with the college’s goals and mission. Students are expected to pursue their education at Bay College with honor and integrity.

1. Forms of Academic Dishonesty:
   The following list contains definitions of the main categories of academic dishonesty. Students should work closely with individual instructors to keep informed about specific policies of a particular class.
   1. Plagiarism
      Students may not present the ideas or written works of others as their own.
   2. Dishonesty in Class Work
      • The work of another may not be submitted to meet the requirements of a course.
      • A paper may not be submitted to meet the requirements in two different courses without specific permission of both instructors.
      • A laboratory experiment or the report of an experiment may not be falsified.
   3. Dishonesty in Examinations
      • Notes, tests, or other memory aids may not be used during an examination; and students may not collaborate on examinations, unless specifically allowed by the instructor.
   4. Unauthorized Collaboration
      • A student may not prepare a report, paper, take-home exam, or other course assignments with the help of others unless specifically authorized by the instructor.
   5. Hampering or discrediting the academic work of others including, but not limited to, the following:
      • Misusing, mutilating, hiding, or stealing library materials;
      • Altering or misusing computer programs or equipment;
      • Interfering with the rightful computer access of others;
      • Hiding or altering another student’s work.
   6. Falsifying records
      • A student may not falsify any college records or forms or falsify signatures for the purpose of enhancing one’s position, academic standing, or for financial gain. Records and forms include, but are not limited to applications, computer records, and registration forms.
   7. Inappropriate or illegal usage of Bay College computers and network
      • See the Acceptable Technology Use Policy for specifics.
2. General Guidelines:
   Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the coursework they submit. The following guidelines will assist students in practicing academic integrity:
   1. Students must do their own work and submit only their own work on examinations, reports, and projects, unless otherwise permitted by the instructor. Students are encouraged to contact their instructor about appropriate citation guidelines.
   2. Students may benefit from working in groups. They may collaborate or cooperate with other students on graded assignments or examinations as directed by the instructor.
   3. Students must follow all written and/or verbal instructions given by instructors or designated college representatives prior to taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, or evaluations.
   4. Students are responsible for adhering to course requirements as specified by the instructor in the course syllabus.
3. Responsibilities and Rights of Students:
   It is the responsibility of students to know the Academic Integrity Policy of Bay College and adhere to it. It is the responsibility of the student to be proactive in learning the academic policies associated with a specific course and a specific assignment. In the event of an interpersonal conflict with an instructor concerning the Academic Integrity Policy, students have the right of appeal to the Academic Affairs Office.
4. Responsibilities and Rights of Instructors:
   Academic integrity violations should be reported when the instructor issues the sanction. Sanctions for violations of the Academic Integrity Policy may not be issued without being reported.

Procedure

Upon discovery of a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, the instructor should meet with the student to discuss the violation, issue an appropriate sanction, and complete the Academic Integrity Violation and Sanction Report.

1. Students may:
   1. admit responsibility and accept the sanction,
   2. admit responsibility, accept the sanction but request a hearing, or
   3. deny responsibility, reject the sanction, and request a hearing.
2. Personnel involved
   All Academic Integrity Violation and Sanction Reports are forwarded to the Academic Dean and the Vice President of Student Services for review. Requests for hearings should include all supporting documentation.
3. Hearings
   Students requesting a hearing will meet with the Academic Dean within ten (10) business days of completing the violation form. The Dean will determine whether academic sanctions are appropriate, and students will be notified of the Dean’s decision within ten (10) business days of the hearing.
4. Appeals
   Students not satisfied with the Dean’s decision may appeal that decision to the Academic Affairs Office within ten (10) business days of notification of the Dean’s decision. The Academic Affairs Office will review all available material, render a decision, and notify the student within ten (10) business days. The decision of the Academic Affairs Office is final.

In addition to academic sanctions, students who violate the Academic Integrity Policy may also be found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and face conduct sanctions through Student Services.

Student Conduct and Discipline

Students at Bay College have rights and protections under the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Michigan. These rights include freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. Any student accused of violating college policies, rules, and/or regulations is entitled to whatever procedural due process is required by law.

When students are admitted to Bay College, they accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in the college’s academic and social community. Honesty is expected of each student at Bay College. Each student is expected to respect the rights of others and to work to create an open, caring and intellectually stimulating environment where diversity of ideas is valued and every person’s dignity and autonomy are respected. Students at Bay College are expected to be responsible for their actions and to respect the rights of others.

Procedure

Students committing misconduct, including but not limited to the following infractions, on Bay College property or official College functions is prohibited. Students may also be subject to discipline for engaging in misconduct even though it does not occur on Bay College property or at official College functions if there is sufficient connection between the conduct and the College to warrant discipline.

1. Interference and/or disruption with the teaching and learning process including the use of profanity toward another student or faculty/staff member.
2. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person, including: sexual assault against any student, faculty, staff or guest of the college.
3. Discrimination in regard to age, color, disability/handicap, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, or weight.
4. Interference by force, threat, harassment or duress with an individual’s personal safety, academic efforts, employment, or participation in college-sponsored activities and/or creating a reasonable apprehension that such interference is about to occur. This would include stalking.
5. Disruption of college activities and college business, including but not limited to classes, convocations, and student services.
6. The continued occupation of a college facility after being requested to leave by any person acting as an agent of the college.
7. Defacement, damage to, or theft of college property and/or that of another student, faculty, staff, or guest of the college.
8. Tampering with fire alarms, safety systems or unauthorized setting of fires.
9. Furnishing false information to the college (such as residency status), forgery, misuse or alteration of any college document or misuse of the college computer system.
10. Academic cheating or plagiarism or aiding or abetting cheating or plagiarism, that may also result in academic penalties under the College’s Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure #3018.
11. Making a false report concerning a fire, bomb, or other alleged emergency.
12. Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances, and look-a-like drugs. The use of alcoholic beverages as prohibited by Bay College policies and/or state law.
13. Possession, while on campus or at a college-sponsored function, of any weapons, including but not limited to, firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, dagger, dirk, stiletto, or knife with a blade over three inches in length, brass knuckles, licensed weapons or objects or instruments possessed for use as a weapon or for direct or indirect delivery to another person for use as a weapon.
14. Willful disobedience of college officials or designated agents acting in the performance of their duties.
15. Willful violation of college rules, regulations, procedures and policies as promulgated in college policy statements.
16. Violation of state or federal law, including copyright laws.
17. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any college premises or unauthorized entry to or use of any college premises.
18. Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace, or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on college premises or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by, the college.
19. Theft or other abuse of technology resources, including but not limited to: (See the Acceptable Technology Use Policy for specifics.
    1. Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
    2. Unauthorized transfer of file.
    3. Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and password.
    4. Use of technology resources to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or college official.
    5. Use of technology resources to send or publish threatening, obscene or abusive messages.
    6. The use of technology resources to view obscene or offensive images, or those prohibited by law.
    7. Use of technology resources to interfere with the normal college operations

Disruptive Students

Disruptive conduct taints the educational atmosphere and may endanger the safety of students and staff. Accordingly, when student conduct on campus creates a serious enough disruption such that the only reasonable solution is removal of the student, a faculty/staff member may temporarily suspend or permanently expel that student from class/campus.

Although student disruptiveness issues will generally initially be approached as informally as circumstances allow, the College reserves the right to take all actions necessary to protect its educational interests, and to protect the safety and security of its students, faculty, staff, and property. Under circumstances where informal procedures have been unsuccessfully implemented, the College may in its discretion also implement the following formal procedures.

1. The faculty or staff member will verbally warn the student when the student’s behavior is considered to be disruptive (describe the behavior to which the faculty/staff member is referring) and that if the student continues the behavior, s/he will be asked to leave the class/building.
2. If the student persists with the disruptive behavior, the faculty/staff member can then ask the student to leave the class or campus. At this time the faculty/staff must warn the student that failure to leave may result in police intervention. The faculty/staff must indicate whether the suspension is just for that day or if the student must appeal to the appropriate Division Chair to reenter the class. In other words, clarify for the student whether the suspension is temporary or permanent.
3. If after the previous verbal warnings the student continues to demonstrate disruptive behavior, the faculty/staff will summon the appropriate police agency that will have the option of arresting the student for criminal trespass, if necessary. The faculty/staff member’s request for the student to leave provides the police agency with sufficient probable cause to affect an arrest.
4. If as a result of faculty/staff member’s request for expulsion the student leaves the classroom/campus, the faculty/staff will notify their Division Chair or immediate supervisor in writing within 24 hours of the incident. The written report must include the student’s identity and the behavior that was considered to be disruptive. Sufficient detail must be provided to allow the Chair/Supervisor to assess whether or not the policy was followed. Please note that the written report is only necessary when considering expulsion. The faculty/staff member handles temporary suspension informally.
5. The Division Chair/Supervisor must immediately contact the student by phone, with a follow-up through registered mail, notifying them of the opportunity to explain the incident from the student’s point of view. In addition, this notice will include the date by which the student must respond back to the Division Chair (or designee) or else forfeit their right to appeal the expulsion. Generally, the student will be given three class* days to respond in person, by phone, or mail (postmarked). Within 24 hours of the conclusion of the meeting to review the suspension, the Chair/Supervisor will decide if the removal was justified or if the student should be reinstated. The Chair/Supervisor may find it necessary to consult with other College employees, students, or records for additional information upon which to base their decision. The Chair/Supervisor may support or deny the removal, or make other arrangements for the student.
6. The decision of the Chair/Supervisor will be conveyed to the student and the faculty/staff member who caused the removal as soon as possible, either in person or by phone. A written confirmation of the decision will be sent to both the staff member and the student within three class days. Within three class days of the receipt of the written decision, the student or the staff member may appeal in person, by phone, or in writing the decision to the appropriate Dean/Supervisor (identified in the written decision by the Chair); whose decision will be final.
7. It is important to emphasize that each step of the process should proceed as quickly as possible, while maintaining fairness and objectivity.

*For the purpose of this policy, class days include only Monday-Friday when Bay College classes are in session.

Student Complaint and Hearing Process

Where appropriate, every effort will be made to first resolve conflicts through informal discussions with the involved parties. If this fails, a written complaint may be filed as outlined below. In computing any time limit specified under this process, Saturdays, Sundays, official school closings, and holidays will be excluded. The Vice President of Student Services, or his/her designee, has the authority to adjust time lines as deemed necessary because of extraordinary circumstances.

1. Complaint
   1. A complaint alleging violations of a College rule and/or regulation may be filed in writing against any student. Complaints must be filed within a reasonable length of time. This report shall then be forwarded to the Vice President of Student Services, or his/her designee, for action.
   2. After consultation with the student involved and after undertaking other investigations that may be appropriate under the circumstances, the Vice President of Student Services, or his/her designee, shall take one of the following actions:
      1. Dismiss the complaint.
      2. Invoke a specific sanction.
2. Sanctions
   The following sanctions for violations of the College’s policies, rules and regulations may be imposed at the College’s discretion, depending upon the infraction’s severity:
   1. Expulsion from Bay College (i.e., permanent removal of the privilege to attend Bay de Noc Community College); *
   2. Suspension from Bay College for a definite period of time and/or pending the satisfaction of conditions for readmission (i.e., suspension of the privilege to attend Bay College); *
   3. Removal from all class(es) for which the student is currently registered;
   4. Restitution for damages;
   5. A specified period of college and/or community service;
   6. Disciplinary probation with or without the loss of privileges for a definite period of time. The violation of the terms of the disciplinary probation or the breaking of any College rule during the probation period may be grounds for suspension or expulsion from the College;
   7. Disciplinary caution or warning;
   8. Any other sanction the college deems educationally appropriate.

* If the suspension or expulsion from the College is for a period greater than 10 days, the student has the right to initiate the Formal Hearing Procedures.

The action taken by the Vice President of Student Services, or his/her designee, will be communicated to the student in writing within five (5) working days.

The student may do either of the following:

• Accept the decision.
• Notify the Vice President of Student Services within three (3) working days to initiate a formal hearing where suspension or expulsion is greater than 10 days.

3. Student Formal Hearing Procedures
   1. The Vice President of Student Services, or his/her designee, shall convene the Committee to conduct a formal hearing within ten (10) working days of the receipt of a written request for a formal hearing. The student will be advised of the date, time, and place of the scheduled hearing.
   2. The hearing shall be governed by the following rules of procedure:
      1. The person charged shall have the right to have his/her defense conducted by an advisor of his/her choice, the right to hear and examine adverse witnesses, and the right to testify and present evidence and witnesses in his/her own behalf. If legal counsel represents the person charged, the committee may be supplied legal counsel by the College. (The student is responsible for all costs and expenses of legal counsel retained by him/her.) The Committee has the right to reasonably control the presentation of evidence and the examination and crossexamination of witnesses.
      2. The Vice President of Student Services, or his/her designee, has the burden of proving that each charge is true. The student shall be regarded as innocent of the charges until guilt is established by a preponderance of the evidence by the Committee. “Established by a preponderance of the evidence” means that the Vice President of Student Services must persuade the committee that it is more probable than not that the charges are true. The Vice President of Student Services has the initial burden of producing evidence to prove each charge. The Vice President of Student Services must present the evidence in support of the charges first, and then the student must present evidence to refute the Vice President of Student Services’ evidence.
      3. If the accused student shall fail to appear after due notice, or, if having appeared, shall make no response to the complaint, the Committee shall proceed with the hearing.
   3. Within ten (10) days of the conclusion of the hearing, the committee shall file a report containing findings of facts and conclusions. If the person charged is found guilty, the committee shall impose appropriate sanctions. The Vice President of Student Services, or his/her designee, shall inform the individual charged in person or by registered mail of the committee’s decision. If the hearing was conducted in the absence of the individual charged, the report shall so indicate.
   4. The Vice President of Student Services, or his/her designee, shall keep a summary record of the proceedings in a confidential file. All applicable guidelines as specified by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1975 shall be followed regarding student record privacy.
   5. Sanctions may be appealed in writing to the President. An appeal must be made within five (5) school days after the student has received the committee’s decision.
   6. Student Formal Hearing Committee: This committee shall be composed of two faculty members selected by the full-time or part-time Faculty Association and two students selected by the Student Government.

Campus Security and Crime Report

Bay College has a proud history of providing a safe learning environment for its students and employees. A wide variety of policies and procedures have been developed over the years to ensure the health and safety of students, employees, and visitors to the campuses. However, crime can happen anywhere. Protect yourself, others, and property by staying alert, safety-conscious and informed.

Reporting a Crime or Other Emergency

Bay College cooperates with the local department of public safety for campus safety and security. Additional security may be retained to monitor special events occurring on campus. In the event of an emergency, all students, employees, and guests should promptly call 911 to report incidents to Public Safety. Non-emergencie require reporting as well, through the Bay College incident report system that can be found on the Bay College website. The direct link is www.baycollege.edu/student-life/health-safety/reporting.php. Please complete the report to the best of your knowledge, ensuring you leave appropriate contact information. A campus representative will be in touch with you regarding the incident. 

Confidential Reporting

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the College system or the criminal justice system, please consider making a confidential report. You can file a report without revealing your identity. Use the Bay College incident report and list your identity as Anonymous. If you report the incident to a Campus Security Authority (CSA) on campus be aware that the CSA may need to report the incident, they can keep your identity private. The CSA can also help you navigate to the online reporting tool where you can report anonymously and they can provide you with counseling information. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the College can keep an accurate record of the number and types of incidents and determine where there may be a pattern. Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crimes statistics for the institution.

Campus Safety Alerts

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued through the college’s emergency communication system. Students are encouraged to register to receive a BayAlert message regarding campus closures due to an emergency, severe weather or mechanical failure. Sign up for BayAlert messages by going to the college’s website. The direct link is https://www.baycollege.edu/student-life/health-safety/bay-alert.php.

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the College may also post an electronic notice on the College website and on the myBay portal as well as notify local media, providing the campus community with more immediate notification. In such instances, a copy of the notice is also distributed to each campus student apartment.

Sex Offender Registry

In accordance with Federal law, Bay College provides a hyperlink on the College’s website to the Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry. The purpose of this link is to advise the campus community where law enforcement information provided by the State of Michigan concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. In Michigan, convicted sex offenders must register with the Sex Offender Registry. The Michigan State Police is responsible for maintaining this registry. The direct link is http://www.communitynotification.com/cap_main.php?office=55242/.

Annual Security Report

The College prepares an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. This report contains information regarding reporting of crimes and other emergencies occurring on campus, the college’s security policies, and the crime arrest and referral statistics reported to designated campus officials and local law enforcement agencies. A copy of the report may also be obtained at the office of the Vice President of Operations located in the Catherine Bonifas building room 202A or by calling (906) 217-4077. At West Campus a copy may be obtained at the office of the Visiting Administrator, room 215. The direct link to the report on the college website is https://www.baycollege.edu/student-life/health-safety/campus-safety.php.

Campus Security Authorities

Bay College complies with the Department of Education and the Clery Act which requires the institution to assign Campus Security Authorities (CSA). A CSA is a resource if you are unable to report a crime or incident yourself, please contact one of the CSA’s listed in the Annual Security Report (ASR) to assist in reporting the incident. The list is located online here at https://www.baycollege.edu/_resources/pdf/student-life/health-safety/campus-safety/annual-security-report.pdf.

Substance Abuse Policy and Procedure

The following information is presented in accordance with the Drug-free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

Standards of Conduct

It is the policy of Bay College that the transportation, possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage or a controlled substance on college property is prohibited.

Legal Sanctions

Students who illegally use alcoholic beverages or controlled substances on college property face disciplinary action, suspension from the college, and/or prosecution under the law. Any person who illegally sells, provides, transports, possesses or consumes alcoholic beverages or controlled substances on college property may face immediate arrest and prosecution under applicable federal, state and local laws. Penalties under these laws may include fines, imprisonment or both.

Health Risks

Illegal use of alcohol or controlled substances can result in illness, injury or death.

Available Counseling and Treatment Programs

All students and employees will have access to substance awareness workshops, seminars, and classes offered at the college. A student or employee who voluntarily seeks assistance to overcome substance abuse problems will receive counseling services on a confidential and non-punitive basis. When necessary, referral will be made to a community agency for assessment, prescribed treatment, and follow-up.

Treatment programs are available at the following agencies:

Students and employees participating in counseling or a program are not exempt from college policies, procedures or rules.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Students and employees who illegally use alcoholic beverages or controlled substances on college property face disciplinary action, suspension from the college, and/or prosecution under the law.

Information Technology Policies

Bay de Noc Community College students are required to read, understand, and accept three Board of Trustees policies:

1050 Internet and Computer Acceptable Use Policy
1051 Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Policy
1052 Password and Account Policy

The policies are located on myBay under Community > Board of Trustees Policies.

These policies protect student electronic information, define access to resources, and guide student activity online in compliance with state and federal law, as well as Bay College guidelines and procedures.

Non-Compliance Penalties

Penalties for violation of any of the above policies will vary depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Penalties may include:

• Disciplinary action as outlined in the College catalog;
• Civil or criminal prosecution under applicable state and federal law(s).

United States Copyright Law

Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including text and content, images, computer software, motion pictures, and music. Unauthorized copying or downloading of copyrighted material is in violation of U.S. copyright laws. You may not copy or redistribute copyrighted software, music, or other information and you may not attempt to override copy protection on commercial software. For more information on copyright and fair use provisions, go to the Bay College Library web site (http://library.baycollege.edu).

More Information

More information about Bay College’s policies is available on myBay > Current Students > Forms, Docs, Policies.

Refund Appeals

If a course is cancelled, students will receive an automatic refund. If a student experiences extenuating circumstances related to tuition, payments, refunds, financial forgiveness, etc., that warrant further review, he/she has the option to send a letter of appeal to the Vice President of Student Services. The letter should include the circumstances, a detailed request, and supporting documentation. Appeals are reviewed by an Appeals Committee and written responses are sent explaining the decision and any specific circumstances.

Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

Bay de Noc Community College Board of Trustees is committed to providing an educational and employment environment free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or other protected status. Accordingly, discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or other protected status is prohibited at Bay de Noc Community College. This prohibition extends to the entire campus community, including but not limited to, the College’s administration of its admission, financial aid, employment, and academic policies, as well as the College’s athletic programs and other college administered programs, services and activities. This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, and employee training and development. The College also does not permit any person or entity using its facilities for commercial purposes to engage in unlawful discrimination. This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable state and federal laws and other College policies. All employees and students are responsible for ensuring a work and educational environment are free from and prohibit discrimination and harassment. Employees and students have an obligation to report violations of this Policy. The Bay de Noc Community College Board of Trustees also expressly prohibits retaliation against any employee or student who alleges that she or he was the victim of discrimination/harassment, provides information in the course of an investigation into claims of discrimination/harassment in the workplace, or opposes a discriminatory practice which is prohibited by this policy. No employee or student bringing a complaint, providing information for an investigation, or testifying in any proceeding under this policy shall be subjected to adverse employment or educational consequences based upon such involvement or be the subject of other retaliation.

Questions concerning Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex/gender, should be directed to either the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

A complaint may also be filed electronically by going to the College website (www.baycollege.edu), selecting the “Campus Safety” link, and selecting the “Incident Report” link (https://publicdocs.maxient.com/incidentreport.php?BayCollege).

Student Disability Discrimination/Harassment

Any student who believes that he/she has been subjected to discrimination or harassment by the College, or one of its employees, on the basis of a disability, as specified above, shall promptly report the matter to the Director of the Office of Accessibility:

Justin Berg
Student Success Center
Escanaba Campus, Room 811
(906) 217-4017
ooa@baycollege.edu

All complaints of discrimination or harassment on the basis of a disability made to the Director of the Office of Accessibility shall be handled in accordance with the Student Grievance and Appeal Procedure outlined in Policy 1061.3 1060.3 Student Non-Disability Discrimination/Harassment Any student who believes that he/she has been subjected to discrimination or harassment, other than on the basis of a disability, as specified above, shall promptly report the matter to the Vice President of Student Services:

Travis Blume
Student Services
Escanaba Campus, Room 503
(906) 217-4116
Travis.blume@baycollege.edu

The written complaint must contain the following information:

• The student’s name, student ID number, address, and telephone number;
• The name of the individual the student believes has discriminated against him/her;
• A detailed description of the behavior which the student believes shows that he/she was discriminated against;
• A description of any action the student has taken to resolve the alleged discrimination;
• A list of the names of each and every individual the student believes to have witnessed the discriminatory activity.

The student shall sign the written complaint. Within five (5) business days of receiving the written complaint, the Vice President of Student Services, shall commence an investigation into the allegations included within the complaint. The investigation will include interviewing: the student, the accused and any witnesses identified. The investigation may also include reviewing any appropriate documentation and/or policies, and any other action(s) the Vice President of Student Services deems necessary to completing the investigation. To complete the investigation, the Vice President of Student Services will make a final determination on the merits of the complaint. The Vice President of Student Services will document in writing his/her findings and determination.

If the Vice President of Student Services determined that the complaint has merit, the following actions will be taken:

• The Vice President of Student Services will coordinate with the appropriate supervisor(s) and vice president(s) to determine what action is necessary to resolve the complaint and prevent a reoccurrence.
• The Vice President of Student Services will inform the student and the accused in writing of the findings and determination, and where appropriate, of the action to be taken.
• Appropriate discipline will be imposed where applicable, based upon the severity of the incident and the prior record of the accused. In the event that the penalty imposes less than termination of employment, the Anti-Discrimination/ AntiHarassment Policy will be reviewed with the offender.
• The findings and determination, as well as the documented disciplinary action will be placed in the offender’s personnel file.
• All documentation regarding the complaint and investigation will be maintained in a separate file. The College will discard this file three (3) years after the date of the findings and determination, unless litigation or charges have been brought related to the complaint and investigation.
• In the event the Vice President of Student Services determined that the complaint is without merit, the following actions will be taken:
  • The findings and determination will be discussed individually with the student and the accused. In addition, the individuals who need to know (in the opinion of the College) will be advised of the findings and conclusions.
  • All references to the complaint will be removed from the personnel file of the accused.
  • All documentation regarding the complaint and the investigation will be maintained in a separate file. The College will discard this file three (3) years after the date of the findings and determination, unless litigation or charges have been brought relating to the complaint and the investigation.