DACC Catalog - Dona Ana Community College - New Mexico State ...

116 Doña Ana Community CollegeStudent HandbookTABLE OF CONTENTSSection 1:Student Code of ConductIntroduction ........................................116Administration of Discipline ............................117Academic Misconduct ................................117Nonacademic Misconduct – All Students ..................118Academic and Nonacademic Disciplinary Actions andSanctions. ........................................119Section 2:Discipline-Related Policies & ProceduresAlcohol Policy. ......................................120Drug Free Workplace, Drug Free Schools and CommunitiesAct and Drug Free Workforce Rules. ....................121Discipline and Law Enforcement. ........................122Firearms Policy ......................................122Prohibition of Hazing and Hostile Misconduct ..............122Mental Health Policy. .................................123Campus Access—Prohibited and Restricted ................123Sexual Misconduct Policy ..............................124Student Academic Grievance Policy ......................124Student Nonacademic Grievance Policy ...................124Student Special Care Policy. ............................125Section 3:Additional Policies and ProceduresChildren in the Academic Workplace .....................125Family Education Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 ..............125Film Policy .........................................125Obtaining a Public Performance License. ..................126Freedom of Expression Policy ...........................126Fund Raising/Sales and Solicitations ......................127Dining Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127Housing and Residential Life ApplicationAcceptance Policy ..................................127Housing and Residential Life Regulations ..................127Procedures of Entry and Search of University-OperatedHousing. .........................................127Nondiscrimination Policy ..............................127Sexual Harassment Policy/Hostile Work/AcademicEnvironment ......................................128Parking and Traffic Regulations ..........................128Posting Policy .......................................128Smoking Policy ......................................128Commonly Abused Drugs Chart: www.drugabuse.govStudent Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act:Go to www.nmsupolice.com (then select “Annual Reports.”)SECTION 1:Student Code of Conduct1 INTRODUCTION1.1 Purpose—The freedom of individuals to inquire, study, evaluate, and gain newunderstanding and maturity is essential and must be protected against suppression.Dissent plays a vital part in the role of higher education. However,freedoms cannot be protected or exercised in an institution that lacks order andstability. Students enrolled at New Mexico State University, as well as at DoñaAna Community College, have an obligation to uphold the laws of the largercommunity of which they are a part. The intent of this Code is to ensure thatstudents of the New Mexico State University system neither lose their rightsnor escape the responsibility of citizenship. While the activities covered by thelaws of the larger community and those covered by NMSU’s rules may overlap,it is important to note that the community’s laws and NMSU’s rules operateindependently and therefore do not substitute for each other. NMSU-DACCmay pursue enforcement of its own rules whether or not legal proceedings areunderway or in prospect, and may use information from third party sources(such as law enforcement agencies and the courts) to determine whether NMSUrules have been broken. Membership in the NMSU-DACC community doesnot exempt anyone from local, state or federal laws, but rather imposes theadditional obligation to abide by all of NMSU’s regulations. It is the personalresponsibility of every member of the campus community not only to protecthis/her own rights, but to respect the rights of others, and to behave in a mannerconducive to learning and/or living in an educational environment. Just asindividuals within the community have a responsibility to adhere to a code ofprescribed behavior, the institution assumes the obligation of clearly codifyingand fairly enforcing the same. New Mexico State University upholds the beliefthat those who do not conform to established standards set forth in this Code ofConduct must be held accountable for their actions. Therefore, the purpose ofthe Code of Conduct is to inform the student body of the rules and regulationsthat are essential to the normal operation of the university system.1.2 Definition of Student—For the purpose of application of this Code of Conduct,“student” means any person enrolled in the New Mexico State University systemand any person who resides in New Mexico State University on-campushousing facilities. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular termbut who have a continuing relationship with NMSU-DACC are considered“students.” Students who violate the Code of Conduct can expect prompt anddeliberate adjudication, whether or not they choose to be present, or remain atNMSU-DACC. Furthermore, if a decision has been made within the disciplinaryprocess which impacts a person who is not currently enrolled, he/she stillremains subject to the determination upon re-enrollment.1.3 Student/Student Organization Rights and Responsibilities—By enrolling atDoña Ana Community College, a student accepts responsibility for compliancewith all local, state and federal laws, and university regulations, whileretaining the rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States. Astudent or student organization alleged to have engaged in any misconductshall have the right of due process and appeal as delineated in this Code, andit is each student’s/student organization’s responsibility to represent themselvesin this educational administrative process. This is not a criminal process, andNMSU-DACC is not bound by the rules of evidence normally used in casesbrought before the State or Federal judicial systems. The standard of proof willbe “preponderance” not “beyond a reasonable doubt.” NMSU and DACCexpect all students to show respect for the rights of others and for authority, toprotect private and public property, to execute contractual obligations, and totake responsibility for their own actions and the actions of their guests.1.4 Student Organizations—A student organization, its officers, and its membersmay beheld collectively and individually responsible when violations of thisCode, by those associated with the organization, occur and such violationsare authorized, encouraged, directed, tolerated, supported by, or committedon behalf of the organization.1.5 Programs with Special Admissions Requirements. (Dental Assistant, DentalHygiene, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, EMS/Paramedic, Health Care Assistant,Nursing, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Care)—Studentswho have selected a program with special admissions requirements may besubject to background checks and additional regulations not included in thegeneral regulations set forth in this Handbook. Such students should consultthe handbook of their particular program.