| Policies College policies are the result of a continual process of review, careful consideration and consultation by the Student Government Association, faculty, administrative officers and College trustees who represent you and the College as a whole. You are expected to know and abide by all College policies stated in this handbook, the College catalog, residence hall booklets, other program or building policies, policies which may be made throughout the academic year, and state and federal laws. Failure to abide by these standards of behavior may result in disciplinary action. Campus Conduct :: Code of Student Conduct :: Collegial Rights and Responsibilities :: Campus Regulations Campus Conduct Student Rights and Responsibilities As a community of students living and learning together, we value upholding and respecting the rights of others to live and learn on our campus. In an educational community, differences in people contribute to and enrich our experience. Recognizing and understanding diversity is expected and stressed. Actions that indicate an intolerance of others’ religion, race, sexual orientation, gender or disability are unacceptable. You are responsible for the conduct of your guests while on Stephens property or at Stephens-sponsored activities off-campus. State and Federal Laws All students are required to abide by all laws set out by the state of Missouri and the federal government while on College property or at a Stephens College-sponsored activity off campus. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. Honor Code The following Honor Code was adopted by SGA. We, the students of Stephens College, in keeping with the high standards of this institution, are committed to upholding the traditions of academic honesty and personal integrity. We promote an atmosphere of mutual trust among students, faculty and administrators — trust that Stephens students will conduct themselves honorably. We will not cheat, steal, plagiarize or tolerate those behaviors in fellow students. Each student is responsible for protecting these standards for the benefit of the entire Stephens College community. The policy and procedures governing instances of academic dishonesty are outlined in Academic Life. Other honor violations will be considered by the SGA Judicial Board as it is currently established. All students who attend Stephens College are obligated to comply with the Honor Code. Code of Student Conduct The Code of Student Conduct is intended to assist Stephens College in fulfilling its purpose as an academic institution dedicated to the transmission of knowledge, pursuit of truth, intellectual and moral development of students, and the well-being of society. All members of the academic community share in the responsibility of establishing and maintaining the general conditions conducive to the fundamental academic freedoms to teach and to learn, and the correlative freedoms of inquiry and expression. These conditions include civility in all conduct, respect for all persons and integrity in every endeavor. In cases where appropriate, the College attempts to resolve instances of student misconduct through informal methods before resorting to the procedures in the Code of Student Conduct. Informal methods include meeting with the parties in conflict, as well as academic advisers, College administrators or others. However, the disciplinary procedures will be invoked when appropriate in the discretion of the College. Non-academic misconduct by students or student organizations constitutes a violation of this Code. The College’s disciplinary jurisdiction extends to conduct on and off campus that qualifies as non-academic misconduct in the discretion of the College. The College reserves the right to determine the hearing panel appropriate to the hearing charges. Rights of Accused in the Disciplinary Process 1. To be sent notice of the charge and the alleged act upon which the charge is based at least seven calendar days before the pre-hearing conference. 2. To select representation in the disciplinary matter. 3. To hear all the evidence upon which the charge is based and to answer all evidence through rebuttal. 4. To remain silent about any incident in which the accused is a suspect on the basis of self-incrimination. 5. To produce witnesses on behalf of the accused. 6. To know the name of and, at least through a representative, to cross-examine the complainant. 7. To be considered innocent until proven guilty by a preponderance of evidence. 8. To have the results of the disciplinary matter presented in writing to the accused and to have the opportunity to appeal an adverse decision. Procedure for filing a complaint against non-academic misconduct 1. Filing a formal complaint: Persons who believe they have been victims of non-academic misconduct may attempt to resolve the matter through informal channels, if appropriate, such as conferences with College faculty or staff members, administrators, friends or legal counsel. If the complainant or the College believes that the matter cannot or should not be resolved through such means, then a student, student organization, faculty member or staff member may file a complaint with the Office of the Vice President for Student Services. A complaint can be filed against any student or student organization. Students are encouraged to contact the Columbia Police department and Stephens College security when criminal misconduct is involved. 2. Immediate action: The Stephens College Vice President for Student Services may take immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, where there is evidence that the continued presence of the accused on campus poses a substantial threat to self, students, faculty, staff or College property. The threat may be physical, emotional, or may involve a student’s inappropriate behavior in a classroom or other teaching, learning situation, or campus activity. If the accused is later exonerated, the suspension will be removed from the student’s permanent record. Hearing Proceedings If a hearing is to be held, written notification will be sent to the last known address of the accused by certified mail, first class mail or land delivery, no fewer than seven calendar days prior to the hearing. The notification will include the charge, the date, time and location of the hearing, the name of the presiding officer (the hearing officer or the presiding chair of the hearing panel), and information on hearing procedures. 1. Postponement: The accused may request a postponement for reasonable cause or request a hearing held separate from that of the others accused. Such requests must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services at least one day before the hearing is to take place. Such requests may be granted or denied at the discretion of the presiding officer. 2. Presenting the case: The College, through the Vice President for Student Services staff member so designated, shall present the case. The College has the burden of proof and must establish a violation by a preponderance of the evidence. The College shall present evidence through witnesses, documents, and other materials, and shall question those witnesses presented by the accused. 3. Procedures during hearing: The hearing shall be divided into two parts. The initial stage of the hearing will focus on determining whether a violation has been committed by the accused. In those cases in which it has been decided that a violation has been committed by the accused, the hearing will be reconvened, and evidence existing in civil and criminal courts do not apply; however, the following procedures do apply. a. Attendance at hearings is restricted to individuals directly involved in the disciplinary hearing, individuals requested to be present by the College, the accused, the complainant or the presiding officer. The chair may take reasonable measures to ensure an orderly hearing, which includes removal of persons who impede or disrupt the proceedings. b. Hearings are closed to the public unless the accused, the complainant and the College all agree otherwise. c. Prior to commencement of the hearing, the complainant(s) or the accused(s) may challenge the chair or any member of the judicial board on the grounds of personal bias, conflict of interest or having participated in the Vice President for Student Services’s investigation. Any person so challenged can be disqualified upon her agreement or, in the case of a member of the hearing panel, upon the majority vote of the remaining members of the panel and the member being replaced by an alternate. The chair may step down if that person believes she/he has a bias or conflict of interest or if she/he has participated in the Vice President for Student Services’s investigation. d. The decision as to violation shall be based solely on evidence presented at the hearing. e. The accused and the complainant may have a personal representative. f. The presiding officer shall inform the accused of the procedures to be followed during the course of the hearing, shall restate the charges against the accused and shall answer any questions the accused may have on these matters. g. The complainant and the accused may hear all evidence upon which the charge is based. At the discretion of the chair, the complainant may be afforded an opportunity to testify through videotape or some other form to avoid confrontation with the accused and cross-examination by the accused’s representative. The accused may personally, or through a representative, call witnesses to speak on behalf of the accused and conduct cross-examination, and may answer the evidence through rebuttal. h. Prior to testifying, all witnesses will swear or affirm that they will tell the truth under penalty of perjury. i. Prospective witnesses, other than the complainant and the accused, may be excluded from the hearing during the testimony of other witnesses at the discretion of the chair. j. The chair shall make every effort to arrange for direct testimony and confrontation. If one of the witnesses provides a good reason why she/he cannot attend the hearing and no other arrangements can be made, then a written notarized statement may be used when signed by the witness and verified as being the statement of that witness. Any such statement must be presented to the opposing side prior to the hearing. Deliberation Decisions rendered by the chair, unlike decisions rendered by criminal courts of law, do not require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead, a violation is established upon proof of the charge by a preponderance of the evidence; that is, a violation is established when, based on all the evidence, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the accused committed the violation. If a violation is found, the hearing shall continue, and the College, the accused and the complainant will be heard on the question of sanction. The College disciplinary record of the accused can be considered in the determination of the sanction, subject to the accused’s opportunity to comment on its contents. The accused shall be afforded an opportunity to review her/his disciplinary record in advance. 1. Hearing officer: If non-academic misconduct is found, the hearing officer can impose certain sanctions or recommend to proper College authorities that certain sanctions are appropriate and should be imposed. It is possible to find a violation without imposition or recommendation of sanctions. 2. Hearing panel: At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing panel, including the presiding officer, will meet in private to vote on whether non-academic misconduct has been committed. The accused will be found to have committed misconduct only if a majority of the panel so votes. If non-academic misconduct is found, the hearing panel can impose certain sanctions or recommend to the proper College authorities that certain sanctions are appropriate and should be imposed. A sanction will be imposed or recommended only if it is approved by a majority vote. It is possible to find a violation without imposition or recommendation of sanctions. 3. Written decision: Promptly after the hearing, the decision shall be put into writing and shall state the facts and circumstances which support the decision and, when a violation is found, any sanction(s) ordered or recommended. The accused, the complainant and the Office of the Vice President for Student Services shall be notified in writing of the decision of the hearing officer or the hearing panel no fewer than seven calendar days after the final decision. This notice shall also describe appeal procedures. 4. Other procedures: A decision rendered by the chair does not preclude further investigation into other offenses. College Sanctions The list of sanctions below is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of those that can be imposed. 1. Expulsion: Upon recommendation of the hearing panel or the hearing officer, the President of the College shall have the authority to expel a student. If the President deems the sanction of expulsion inappropriate, she/he may impose any lesser sanction as provided in this Code. a. If a student is expelled, a letter of notification is sent to the student, with copies sent to the Vice President for Student Services, the President, the Registrar, the Accounting office, and, where appropriate, the student’s parents. b. The expelled student loses financial assistance from the College on the date of the expulsion. c. Copies of documents relevant to the disciplinary proceedings against the student will be maintained in the Office of the Vice President for Student Services. d. Only the President of the College may recommend re-admission of a student who has been expelled. 2. Suspension: Upon recommendation of the hearing panel or the hearing officer, the Vice President for Student Services shall have the authority to suspend a student. The purpose of suspension may be to allow the student to reconsider her/his values, develop new goals and provide for the safety of the complainant. If the Vice President for Student Services deems the sanction of suspension inappropriate, she/he may impose any lesser sanctions as provided in this Code. a. If a student is suspended, a letter of notification is sent to the student, with copies sent to the Vice President for Student Services, the President, Registrar, the Accounting office, and, where appropriate, the student’s parents. b. The suspended student loses financial assistance from the College on the date of the suspension and for the duration of the suspension. c. Copies of documents relevant to the disciplinary proceedings against the student will be maintained in the Office of the Vice President for Student Services. d. Before a suspended student may re-enroll, the student must have a conference with a representative of the Office of the Vice President for Student Services. During and after the period of suspension, the decision of whether the student will be allowed to re-enroll is left to the discretion of the Vice President for Student Services. e. A student who returns to the College after suspension shall be placed on non-academic probation for one semester. 3. Non-academic probation: Non-academic probation may be recommended by the hearing officer or the hearing panel. The length of the probationary period shall be determined by the College based on the seriousness of the violation. Non-academic probation will be used when violations are serious, but where the student will be given an opportunity to continue study at the College on a trial basis. a. If a student is to be placed on non-academic probation, a letter of notification is sent to the student, with copies to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services, the appropriate academic dean, and, where appropriate, the student’s parents. The letter or some other writing provided to the student will describe the terms of the probation. b. Copies of documents relevant to the disciplinary proceedings against the students are held in the Office of the Vice President for Student Services. c. A violation of any non-academic probation condition may result in a review of the student’s status and imposition of additional sanctions, including expulsion. 4. Supplementary sanctions: Supplementary disciplinary sanctions may be recommended by the Stephens College Judicial Board. The Judicial Board consists of a panel of current students, and it strives to represent a variety of views, class standings, and disciplines among its members. Such sanctions may be utilized by themselves or in combination with any other sanctions. The following are examples and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. a. Removal from the residence hall or residence hall system. b. Privileges may be revoked. Examples include ineligibility to live off campus and restrictions on residence hall visitation. c. Students may be tempo- rarily removed from their living space and placed in a quiet environment. d. Restitution may be required to be paid to the injured party or parties. e. The students may be referred for specialized help to persons such as the student’s academic adviser, psychiatric counselor, clergy member, physician, parents or Counseling Services. f. An education project assignment may be arranged so that the students will have an opportunity to observe specific human behavior related to her/his own misconduct. For example, students may be asked to make reports on night court, juvenile court, Alcoholics Anonymous, service agencies or participate in some campus activity with rehabilitative value. g. Work projects may be assigned. Examples include mopping halls, washing walls or cleaning bathrooms. h. A reprimand may be given to indicate official disapproval of the student’s behavior and to warn that further misconduct may result in additional disciplinary action. In such cases, a note is included in the student’s personal folder outlining the misconduct and the fact that a reprimand was given. Exoneration If at any time the accused is found to be innocent of the charges, no reference to the charges will appear on the accused’s permanent record and any reference previously placed thereon will be removed. Attendance at Hearing The accused is expected to attend the hearing conducted by the hearing panel or the hearing officer. If the accused does not attend the hearing, the College will proceed to present its evidence, and charges will be determined on the basis of the information available; a decision will be made and sanctions may be imposed or recommended. The decision and sanctions will not be based solely on the failure of the accused to attend. The board may, however, at their discretion continue the hearing on another day to enable the accused to attend. Appeals An accused found to have committed non-academic misconduct by the decision of the hearing officer or the hearing panel has the right to appeal. A written notice of appeal must be delivered to the Office of the Vice President for Student Services within seven calendar days from the mailing date of the written decision sent to the accused. A written memorandum stating the grounds of the appeal shall be filed by the accused within seven days of filing the Notice of Appeal. The following guidelines apply to appeals: 1. The Vice President for Student Services shall decide appeals. If the Vice President for Student Services is not available, the President of the College will appoint another senior College administrator to decide the appeal. 2. The grounds for appeal are as follows: a. Procedural error that prevented a fair decision by the chair; b. Misstatement or misapplication of the College rules, regulations or policies alleged to be violated; c. Decision of the panel or officer not supported by the facts or evidence; d. Material evidence or facts, newly discovered, which could not with reasonable diligence have been discovered and introduced to the board, or e. At the discretion of the Vice President for Student Services, the fairness of the sanction(s) imposed. 3. If no ground for appeal is present, the appeal is dismissed and the decision of the chair is final. 4. If the appeal is not dismissed, the person deciding the appeal may affirm or reverse the previous decision with regard to the accused’s guilt or innocence and may modify the sanctions previously imposed or recommended. 5. Barring discovery of material new facts, an appeal is limited to a review of the record of the chair or the record of the hearing panel. 6. The person deciding the appeal cannot impose or recommend more severe sanctions than were previously imposed or recommended. 7. The decision on appeal is final. 8. During the appeal process, the accused’s status as a student will not change except for reasons relating to the emotional or physical welfare of the accused, or for reasons involving the safety of persons or property. Record and Release of Information A record, consisting of the formal written decision will be available to the accused at no expense. Additional copies will be provided at the accused’s expense. The record and other material related to a disciplinary action may be made available by the board only to individuals who have a valid need to know. Records will be kept confidential, and non-academic conduct files will be destroyed at the time the student graduates from Stephens College. Monthly summary reports will be made at the Student Government Association meeting by the Student Advocate. Collegial Rights and Responsibilities Alcohol State law prohibits consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by those under 21 years of age. Minors may not misrepresent their age in order to purchase alcohol. Neither may those 21 or older purchase alcohol for minors. State law also prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated or drugged condition, or with open containers of alcohol. The College complies with the regulations in the Drug-Free Workplace and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Acts. Use of Alcohol on Campus The use of alcohol by students must be in compliance with state laws. Specific regulations regarding student use of alcohol on the campus are as follows: 1. Students 21 years of age or older may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in their residence hall room. It is expected that when alcohol is involved, residents will maintain respect for the rights of other residents, roommates and suitemates. Large parties, including the use of kegs, are not permitted in the residence halls. 2. Students under 21 may not possess or consume alcohol, nor may alcohol be present in the residence hall rooms of students under 21 years of age. 3. Guests who are 21 or older may consume alcoholic beverages when visiting the room of a Stephens student who is also 21 or older. Guests of students under 21 years may not consume alcohol regardless of the age of the guest. 4. Alcoholic beverages may not be served at on- or off-campus, Stephens student-sponsored functions unless a third party vendor is present. Stephens student-sponsored functions are defined as those for which student group funds are paying for any part of the event, for which publicity for the event identifies a Stephens organization as the sponsor, or when mandatory attendance for group members is required. 5. The above regulations and guidelines apply to students at Okoboji Summer Theatre at Spirit Lake, Iowa, in conformance with applicable state laws. 6. The College will not supply or purchase alcoholic beverages for student use or sale. 7. Individuals who violate the policy will be placed on non-academic disciplinary probation for one full semester. Any subsequent violation of the alcohol policy while on probation will result in an automatic referral to the Judicial Board. Drugs State law prohibits the possession, use and sale of illegal drugs, including marijuana, and the illegal possession or dispensing of prescription drugs and drug apparatus. Use of Drugs on Campus The College regards any student who possesses, uses or contributes to another’s use of illegal drugs as engaging in unacceptable conduct. Students engaging in such use may be referred to the Judicial Board for appropriate disciplinary action. For a first offense in the personal use of marijuana, students will be placed on disciplinary probation for one semester. Subsequent offenses or violations of other parts of this policy may result in immediate suspension. Stephens cooperates with state authorities in their attempts to enforce existing laws regarding drugs. Alcohol and Drug Counseling See the information in Emergency Information. Fireworks and Firearms Fireworks, firearms and other deadly weapons are not permitted on campus. Confiscation and serious disciplinary action will result if these items are present. Harassment and Hazing Students, faculty and staff must be able to pursue their education, employment or activities without fear of verbal or physical harassment or hazing from other members of the community. Engaging in harassment and/or hazing is considered a serious offense and will result in disciplinary action. Sexual Harassment Stephens College does not tolerate sexual harassment by members of its community. Sexual harassment is understood to include a wide range of behaviors, from the actual coercing of sexual relations to the unwelcomed emphasizing of sexual identity. Copies of the entire policy on sexual harassment outlining more details of the definition and procedures are available in the Hugh Stephens Resource Library and in all department offices. The Vice President for Student Services is available to assist you in understanding the policy and procedures, and complaint advisers are available to process individual complaints. The Sexual Harassment Hearing Board hears cases and recommends sanctions for offenders. These sanctions include suspension from school or dismissal from employment. Theft Individuals who steal College property (including library books and other instructional materials) or individual property will be subject to disciplinary action and also may be referred to the Columbia police for prosecution. Report any thefts of your property to a residence hall staff member, supervisor of the area where the theft took place or to Campus Security. Cases will be handled according to the judicial procedures by referring them to the Vice President for Student Services. Vandalism Individuals who damage, destroy or deface College property (including library books and furniture, and other instructional materials) or individual property will be subject to disciplinary action in addition to paying the cost of repair or replacement of the item(s) damaged. Cases will be handled according to the judicial procedures by referring them to the Vice President for Student Services. Resolving Discrimination Complaints If you feel you have been discriminated against in any educational program or activity, including employment, follow the procedure outlined below. Should you have any questions about your rights, consult with the Vice President for Student Services. 1. If you have a grievance regarding discrimination, you should register a complaint with the supervisor responsible for the area where the event occurred or with the advocate. You must register your complaint within five days of the event. 2. If this action does not result in a satisfactory resolution, you may file a written complaint with the Vice President for Student Services within 10 days of the incident. She will investigate those issues raised in the written complaint and take appropriate action as she deems necessary. 3. The Vice President for Student Services will provide you with written notification of the disposition of the complaint. 4. If the complaint is denied, you may request that the complaint be referred to the Academic Standing Committee within five days of the Vice President for Student Services’s decision. Campus Regulations Campus and Facilities Bicycles Columbia law states that all bicycles ridden in the city streets must be registered and licensed by the city fire department. There is no registration fee and it is a safeguard for your bike. You can register your bike at city fire stations: Main Station, 7th and Walnut streets; Station 2, 1212 West Worley St.; Station 3, 1001 Ashland Gravel Road; Station 4, 2300 Oakland Gravel Road; Station 5, 1400 Ballenger Lane; Station 6, 301 West Boulevard South. Bicycles may not be ridden on the overpass. When you are away from campus, please arrange for storage of your bicycle. Any bicycle left on campus for more than 90 days is considered abandoned and will be removed. Bicycle storage and bicycle racks are located near the entry to each residence hall. Check with residence hall staff regarding bicycle storage information. Bikes should not be stored in campus buildings. Please be aware of campus security concerning bicycles. Demonstrations The College must regulate any activities which disrupt the ongoing educational purposes of the campus or which interfere with the rights of others. The hindrance of College students and personnel from entering or leaving College areas is not accepted nor is the destruction of public or private property. Those interested in holding rallies or other types of demonstrations must consult with the Vice President for Student Services. Overpasses State law prohibits sitting or standing on the overpass walls as well as placing any signage on or throwing objects over the side of the overpass. These actions may result in arrest. Bicycles must be walked on the overpasses. Solicitation or Selling on Campus Salespersons and solicitors are not permitted on campus. Solicitation includes approaching individuals to distribute flyers or other materials. Salespersons, including residents who serve as agents of private companies, are not permitted to solicit in the residence halls. Product demonstrations may not be held on campus. If you observe any individual soliciting or selling products, please contact a staff member for assistance. Student organizations may arrange for campus sales in the Commons by gaining prior approval from the Vice President for Student Services. Policy on Visual Communications The following guidelines will apply concerning sidewalk chalk: 1. Organizations must sign up to chalk in the Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Activities. At the time of sign up, a visual concept of the chalkings must be approved just as posters are approved. 2. Only chalkings that are signed by authorized individuals will be allowed to remain. 3. Lists of representative(s) and groups allowed to chalk will be available at the Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Activities. 4. No one is allowed to chalk anything except sidewalks. 5. Permission to chalk will be in effect for the entire semester, but messages must be changed weekly. A week will run from Monday to Monday. Groups are responsible for removing chalk by noon each Monday, or chalking rights will be suspended. 6. These guidelines do not pre- clude any other campus regulations concerning hazing and harassment. 7. The College administration reserves the right to remove chalk that has not been previously approved. 8. All unauthorized chalk must be removed by 10 a.m. daily. Facilities will be responsible for the removal. 9. Specific negative language about an individual or group will result in immediate chalk removal. 10. The purpose of this policy is to create an avenue for positive communication and creative expression. 11. Chalking will be limited to specific sidewalk spaces in the north residence hall quad. Students can view a map of the available spaces to be signed for at the Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Activities. 12. No chalking will be allowed during certain campus events specified by the administration to include: Orientation, Family Weekend, Preview Weekends, Alumnae Weekend and Graduation Weekend. 13. Student violators of this policy will go to the Judicial Board. Faculty and staff violators will be referred to their supervisor. The following conditions will apply to poster hanging: 1. All posters must be approved and dated in the Office of Campus Programming and Leadership Activities before being placed anywhere on campus. 2. Posters must never be hung on doors or windows in any campus facility or any other place that causes a security risk. 3. Poster space on bulletin boards would be on a first-come, first-serve basis. 4. No one other than authorized employees will be allowed to remove posters on a bulletin board. 5. Posters must be taken down by the campus programming staff after the end of the publicized event or the stamped date. 6. An authorized person who removes someone else’s poster is required to write a written apology to the person whose poster had been removed. 7. Individuals cannot post over other posters or flyers. 8. Student violators of these policies will be referred to the Judicial Board. Faculty and staff violators will be referred to their immediate supervisor. Health AIDS The College has a complete policy covering the manner in which students, faculty and staff with AIDS or AIDS-related conditions will be treated. Cases will be handled on a case-by-case basis and strict confidentiality will be maintained. See Student Services. Smoking Smoking has been proven hazardous to the health of smokers and non-smokers alike. The College has adopted a policy which restricts smoking in College buildings. Smoking elsewhere on campus is prohibited within 25 feet of any building. Anyone caught violating the smoking policy or littering the campus with cigarette butts, will be sent to the campus judicial board. Student Pregnancy For the health and safety of the mother and her child, the College should be made aware of anyone who is pregnant and enrolled in the academic program. Possible limitations of equestrian, physical education and performance activities will be governed by College policy, which will be explained by the instructors in those programs. back to top |
