Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students are advised to read and understand this document. By accepting admission to Chemeketa Community College, students enjoy the rights and privileges as outlined here. To help ensure a positive learning environment, students have the responsibility to conduct themselves in accordance with standards as set forth in this policy.

Preamble. Chemeketa Community College provides an environment that celebrates the freedom to learn and the freedom to teach. In that celebration of teaching and learning it is appropriate that individuals and groups be viewed with regard to their potential to contribute within the learning environment. Each has dignity and value.
Code of Behavior. As a community of people seeking education, Chemeketa students are dedicated to improving personally and academically. Choosing to join the college community obligates each member to a code of behavior. Chemeketa students will:
1. Practice personal and educational integrity.
  - Students shall practice academic honesty by not cheating, plagiarizing, or misrepresenting their coursework in any way.
  - Students shall not misuse college documents, library or computer resources, student records, or identification cards.
2. Maintain standards of academic performance and contribute to the safe, cooperative and respectful learning environment throughout the college.
  - Students shall participate in classroom assignments and discussions, and attend classes regularly.
  - Students shall not disrupt the teaching/learning process.
3. Discourage bigotry and respect the diversity and dignity of all persons.
  - Students shall not participate in physical or verbal abuse of any individual.
  - Students are encouraged to demonstrate respect for all persons.
4. Respect the rights and property of all persons.
  - Students shall do nothing to impede another's right to move about freely,
    express him/herself, or enjoy privacy.
  - Students shall not destroy, deface or misuse property belonging to an individual or the college
5. Bear the ultimate responsibility for the effects of their decisions and behavior.
  - Students have an ethical obligation to confront, challenge or report destructive or abusive behavior.
  - Students shall not possess any firearm, or knife with a blade exceeding four inches, or illegal weapon (see ORS Chapter 166), with or without a concealed weapon permit.
  - Students shall not abuse alcohol or other drugs.
  - Students shall abide by federal, state, and local laws.
Student’s Rights. Each student in the college community has certain rights that accompany his/her responsibilities. Those rights are to be protected by both students and staff regardless of an individual’s race, gender, religion, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, national origin, ancestry or age. The college will:
1. Provide access to education and campus facilities.
  - The college shall be open to applicants who are qualified according to current admission requirements within the limits of its resources and facilities.
  - Students have the right to be informed about class requirements and college policy and procedures. Students' access to education shall not be inhibited by prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation.
  - Students have the right to participate in evaluations of programs, course content and educational objectives.
  - If a student is charged with a violation of law not related to his/her activities on campus, the matter shall be of no disciplinary concern to the college, unless the student is incarcerated and cannot comply with educational requirements. (See Student Records Policy and Guidelines.)
  - Students, official clubs and organizations may use available college facilities according to college policy and procedures.
2. Assure the protection of confidential student records and information.
  - Student records and information are protected and governed by federal and state laws and the college's Student Records Policy and Guidelines.
  - Information about student views, beliefs, private activities, and political associations which is acquired or learned by college employees in the course of work is to be treated with professional judgment and confidentiality.
  - Professional evaluations and references about the ability and character of students may be provided under appropriate circumstances.
3. Provide opportunities for association and preserve freedom of expression.
  - Policy and procedures governing clubs and organizations shall be established by the college.
  - Students may express their views on college policy or matters of general interest, and may support causes by any orderly means that do not disrupt the operation of the college.
  - In the classroom, students may take exception to the information and may reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of the course.
  - Chemeketa Community College, as publisher, bears in conjunction with the staff of student publications, the responsibility for the content of the publications. The publications shall adhere to all applicable Oregon statutes, such as those regarding mass communications.
  - The student newspaper shall be governed by the Student Newspaper "Guidelines" and shall follow the Canons of Journalism of the American Society of Newspaper Editors.
  - Student publications shall state that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the college or student body.
Conflict Resolution Process. If a student has a complaint about a staff member or another student, the steps outlined in this section will summarize the process. Members of the Chemeketa Community College community involved in a dispute are encouraged to first seek resolution with the individual with whom the conflict exists. Chemeketa Community College emphasizes the importance of direct, courteous, and respectful communication to informally resolve concerns and complaints. However, if resolution through person-to-person communication is not possible, there are several informal and, if necessary, formal processes to assist with conflict resolution.

Please note: If the conflict involves alleged discrimination or harassment by a student or staff member a different reporting process than what is listed in this section is followed. If you suspect discrimination or harassment, the College’s Affirmative Action Officer or the Dean of Students should be contacted immediately. Please refer to section 8.0 in this document for more information.

Each of the dispute types listed here in sections 4.1 -4.5, shall be subject to a specific conflict resolution process:
1. Grade Appeals. Students are encouraged to maintain frank and open communication concerning their progress and performance throughout the duration of the course.
  1. When a student believes that he or she has been given an inappropriate grade, the student will speak directly with the instructor no later than four (4) weeks after the end of the academic term of the disputed grade.
  2. If satisfaction is not received with the instructor, the student may appeal no later than six (6) weeks after the end of the academic term of the dispute.
    1. The student will submit a “Grade Appeal” form. These forms are available in the Dean of Students office and online at: http://www.chemeketa.edu/shared/forms/gradeappeal.pdf.
    2. The form should be submitted to the Dean of Students office where it will be forwarded to the appropriate supervisor.
    3. The supervisor will review both the instructor’s and student’s facts related to the grade appeal (tests, papers, reports, participation, etc).
    4. At the end of the review, the supervisor will contact the student with their decision. The supervisor’s decision shall be final and will be forwarded in writing to the instructor and student within thirty (30) calendar days of the receipt of the “Grade Appeal” form.
    5. The supervisor will keep a copy of the appeal for one year.
2. Academic Honesty. When an apparent violation of academic honesty occurs, the faculty member works directly with the student according to the Chemeketa Community College Academic Honesty Policy and Procedure 5020. The faculty member may resolve the matter by determining an appropriate course of action.
  1. If the student contests the faculty member’s decision, a meeting with the faculty member’s supervisor may be requested.
    
    The purpose of the meeting is for the student to hear the charges and present his/her side of the case.
  2. The supervisor determines if the action recommended by the faculty member is appropriate.
  3. If the student contests the supervisor’s decision, the student may submit a written appeal to the Dean of Instruction.
    
    The Dean of Instruction considers the appeal and responds. The decision of the Dean is final.
  4. Further consequences may be imposed by the Dean of Students in cases of grievous violations of academic honesty or for a continued pattern of violations.
  5. Consequences for violations of academic dishonesty:
    1. If a student is found guilty of violating academic dishonesty, any one or a combination of the following consequences may be imposed by the faculty member.
      - Oral or written disciplinary admonition and warning.
      - Temporary exclusion from class, lab, clinical not to exceed one class session.
      - A grade of "F" or a zero for the assignment, project, or examination
    2. The following consequence may be imposed by the faculty member after an inquiry conducted by their supervisor:
      - Program-based academic probation
      - A lower grade or a grade of “F” or “No Pass” for the course, overriding a student’s ability to withdraw from the course (in some programs, this may result in a student’s removal from the program).
      - Requirement to attend an Academic Honesty seminar
    3. The following consequences may be imposed by the Dean of Students in cases of grievous acts of dishonesty or for a continued pattern of dishonesty:
      - Disciplinary admonition and warning.
      - 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.
      - Suspension from Chemeketa Community College for a definite period of time.
      - Expulsion from Chemeketa Community College.
  6. Some professional-technical areas have program-specific student handbooks, and in these handbooks there may be further explanation of their unique policies and consequences.
3. Charges of Student Misconduct by Staff or Student. These complaints would include any violation of section 2.0, Code of Behavior, of this document (except for issues involving Academic Honesty which are covered in section 4.2). Students and staff are encouraged to deal with student misconduct on an informal basis whenever possible. However, when the misconduct rises to a level that informal resolution cannot be reached, the appropriate staff or student may file a complaint.
  1. The appropriate staff or student will file a “Student Misconduct Complaint” form with the Dean of Students. These forms are available in the Dean of Students office and online at: http://www.chemeketa.edu/shared/forms/studentmisconduct.pdf.
  2. The student whom the complaint is filed against will be notified in writing of the charges and the maximum penalty which might result from consideration of the complaint. (See Section 5.0, #2 Types of Disciplinary Action)
  3. The student has ten (10) working days from the notification date of the complaint to respond.
    1. If the student fails to respond, the Dean will decide next steps and the student forfeits the right to appeal the decision.
  4. After review of the evidence and interviewing of appropriate persons, the Dean of Students or designee may take one of the following actions:
    1. Terminate the proceedings, thereby exonerating the student;
    2. Dismiss the complaint after appropriate counseling and advice to the student;
    3. Impose an appropriate sanction in accordance with section 5.0
  5. The student will be notified in writing of the decision within thirty (30) calendar days of the student’s response to the complaint.
  6. The decision of the Dean of Students or designee shall be final and not subject to further appeal except in the case of expulsion.
    1. When expulsion is recommended by the Dean of Students, the student may appeal to the college’s Ombudsperson/Executive Dean.
    2. The Ombudsperson/Executive Dean may convene the College Appeals Committee for assistance in arriving at a final decision.
    3. The Ombudsperson/Executive Dean will issue a written decision to the student within thirty (30) calendar days of the hearing. A copy of the decision will be given to the Dean of Students.
    4. The decision of the Ombudsperson/Executive Dean will be final and not subject to further appeal.
4. Charges of Staff Misconduct. These complaints, made by a student do not include grade issues. Complaints in this dispute type refer to perceived violation of law or college policy or section 3.0, Student Rights, of this document. Except for sexual harassment and discrimination complaints, the faculty and staff members of the College are subject to collective bargaining agreements and formal disciplinary rules which are beyond the scope of this document. By law, certain procedures must be followed before discipline can be imposed. For this reason, complaints concerning the conduct of a faculty or staff member shall be made to the faculty and/or staff member’s supervisor and shall be subject to dispute resolution procedures as the supervisor determines appropriate. If the student believes that the supervisor has not resolved the issue, the student may meet with the supervisor’s Dean.
5. Student Complaints Alleging Violation of a College Rule, Policy, or Procedure. This type of complaint is used when a student believes that the college, as a matter of practice, is violating its own rules, policies, or procedures.
  1. The student will submit a complaint in writing to the Dean of Students.
    
    The complaint will include:
    1. The student’s name
    2. The nature of the complaint along with all documents, policies, procedures and related material which may be necessary for college review of the complaint.
  2. Upon receipt of the complaint, the Dean of Students will schedule a
    meeting with the student filing the complaint. At that meeting, the Dean of Students shall attempt a resolution of the complaint.
  3. In the event that the resolution proposed by the Dean of Students is not acceptable to the student, the student may make a secondary appeal to the Ombudsperson/Executive Dean. Upon receipt of the student’s complaint, the Ombudsperson/Executive Dean shall meet with the student to discuss the complaint.
    1. The Ombudsperson/Executive Dean may convene the College Appeals Committee for assistance in arriving at a final decision.
    2. The Ombudsperson/Executive Dean will issue a written decision to the student within thirty (30) calendar days of the hearing. A copy of the decision will be given to the Dean of Students.
    3. The decision of the Ombudsperson/Executive Dean will be final and not subject to further appeal.
  4. If a student needs further information regarding the conflict resolution process, they are encouraged to contact the Assistant to the Dean of Students.
Student Discipline. Disciplinary action may be imposed upon a student by college staff for misconduct or for violation of law and/or college rules and policies.
1. Disciplinary action may be imposed upon a student by college staff for misconduct or for violation of law and/or college rules and policies.
2. Types of disciplinary action which may be imposed and authorization for such action are:
  1. Temporary Exclusion is the removal of a student from a class or service area, not to exceed one class session, one day, or removal from a college-sponsored function for the duration of the function. If an employee deems that the language, manner, or physical behavior of a student violates an atmosphere conducive to learning, safety, the orderly administration of the college, or the rights of the members of the college community, the employee may request the student to leave. Reinstatement may be sought in accordance with the Student Rights and Responsibilities document. (See College Policy 4220.) A written report of the circumstances requiring this action shall be submitted to the appropriate director or dean within one working day following the incident with specific directions or expectations and consequences for non-compliance.
  2. Disciplinary Probation is a written warning to a student which may include interim exclusion. Interim exclusion may not exceed five days. The appropriate Director may impose disciplinary probation.
  3. Suspension is the exclusion of a student from classes in a program or service area, and college-sponsored functions for a specified period of time as set forth in the notice of suspension. The appropriate dean may impose suspension from classes in a program, from a service area, or from college-sponsored functions. Suspension may not exceed one term.
  4. Expulsion is the permanent separation of a student from a program or service area or conditional separation from the college. The Dean of Students may impose expulsion. Conditions of readmission, if any, shall be stated in the order of expulsion.
3. The Dean of Students may take any disciplinary action deemed appropriate for student behaviors which are considered destructive to the educational environment of the college.
College Appeals Process
1. The Ombudsperson/Executive Dean may decide, at his/her discretion, to take any issue involving student misconduct to a hearing before the College Appeals Committee. A hearing before the College Appeals Committee occurs in situations which may require a summary decision on an unresolved conflict or may result in the permanent expulsion of a student.
2. The college Ombudsperson/Executive Dean, in consultation with the Dean of Students, shall appoint two students and three staff members to form a College Appeals Committee. The appeals committee must have a quorum of four to conduct a hearing. The hearing is not considered a formal, legal trial.
3. The general rules governing a hearing are listed below. The specific rules for a hearing are contained in the guidelines of the College Appeals Committee. A copy of these guidelines is on file in the office of the Dean of Students and is available for examination by any student upon request.
4. A hearing shall be held not less than three nor more than twenty (20) working days after the filing of the statement of violation with the Dean of Students. For reasonable cause, the College Appeals Committee may grant a postponement.
5. The student may be accompanied by counsel for advising purposes only; however, counsel will not participate directly in the hearing.
6. If the student who filed the appeal or is the subject of the appeal fails to appear for the hearing or agrees in writing not to contest the case, the Committee shall review the evidence and prescribe the appropriate action.
Definitions
1. College shall mean Chemeketa Community College.
2. College Board shall mean the Board of Education.
3. Staff shall mean any employee of the college, both full-time and part-time, management, faculty, and classified. Staff rights and responsibilities shall be provided by college policy, procedure and collective bargaining agreements. Staff is expected to intervene and facilitate adherence to the Student Rights and Responsibilities document.
4. Student shall mean any person currently enrolled in a college class.
5. Community member shall mean any person not enrolled in a Chemeketa class. A community member shall have the rights and responsibilities provided by local, state and federal laws. The Student Rights and Responsibilities document does not apply to community members. Community members may contact the college Executive Dean for clarification of their rights and responsibilities.
6. The College Appeals Committee shall be composed of students and staff and will conduct non-judicial hearings on alleged violations of the Student Rights and Responsibilities document. The hearings are not considered formal, legal trials.
Harassment Issues. Chemeketa is committed to providing everyone with an environment focused on learning and growth, free of discrimination or harassment. Such behaviors will not be tolerated and are against college policies.
1. Every member of the college community, students and employees, is expected to keep Chemeketa’s work and educational environment free of any conduct that causes intimidation, hostility or discrimination.
2. Given these goals, the college is making every effort to notify students and employees of their rights and responsibilities under the college’s Harassment/Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Respectful Workplace, and Consensual Relationships Policies and Procedures.
3. Definition of harassment: Harassment is any verbal, visual or physical behavior reasonably perceived by the receiver as unwelcome or offensive and refers in a demeaning way to a person’s race, religion, color, gender, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and related conditions, family relationship, veterans status, or cigarette usage; creates a hostile or adverse work or educational environment; and subjects employees or students to different terms or conditions based on the characteristics listed above.
4. Examples of harassment: May include, but are not limited to, comments, slurs, jokes, symbols, innuendoes, cartoons, pranks, touch or other forms of physical harassment. An occurrence does not have to be considered “derogatory” for harassment to have happened.
5. Types of Harassment:
  1. Sexual Harassment: sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. The courts have defined two principle types of sexual harassment:
    1. when a person in a position of power misuses his or her authority, and
    2. when a hostile environment is created.
  2. Gender-Based Harassment: behavior that degrades, denigrates, ridicules, or is verbally or physically abusive to an employee or student because of his or her gender.
  3. Racial Harassment: behavior that degrades, denigrates, ridicules or is verbally or physically abusive to an employee or student because of his or her perceived race.
  4. Harassment Based on National Origin: behavior that degrades, denigrates, ridicules or is verbally or physically abusive to an employee or student because of his or her perceived ancestry, heritage or cultural identification.
  5. Sexual Orientation Harassment: behavior that degrades, denigrates, ridicules, or is verbally or physically abusive to an employee or student because of his or her sexual orientation.
6. Consensual Relationships Statement. The college has a responsibility to promote an atmosphere of professionalism, respect, and trust and to prevent any appearance of impropriety. The decision-making processes must be seen by employees and students as fair and without favoritism. A consensual relationship is a close personal relationship of a romantic or sexual nature between willing participants who both are of legal age and possess legal capacity. College Policy and Procedure 1753 addresses consensual relationships between students and college employees and supervisors and employees. Employees involved in a consensual relationship with another employee or student are prohibited from supervising or making grading decisions related to that person. In consensual relationships involving employees, or employees and students, it is the responsibility of the person with the most power to make explicit arrangements to assure that the decision-making processes will be fair and without favoritism. Employees will work with their supervisor in making arrangements to comply with this policy
7. Non-retaliation Statement. It is critical that everyone feel free to come forward with complaints or concerns regarding inappropriate conduct. Retaliation against any person for making a complaint or for providing information concerning a complaint is prohibited. Examples of retaliation may include, but are not limited to, such actions as expulsion, suspension or termination.
8. Complaint Process for Harassment Issues
  
  Step 1: Informal Complaint Procedure. If appropriate and safe, anyone alleging a violation should meet with the person and ask them to stop the offensive behavior. You might also write to the person, stating that you view the behavior as unlawful harassment and that you will report these actions if to continue. Be sure to keep a copy.
  OR
  Consult with a member of the Harassment Network to explore your options and begin to keep a record of the harassment: track dates, times, places and statements. See list of Harassment Network members below.
  OR
  If the harassment involves a Chemeketa employee, students should contact the college’s Human Resources Director/Affirmative Action Officer for assistance. If the Harassment involves another student, students should contact the Dean of Students.
  
  Step 2: Formal Complaint Procedure. You may file a complaint with:
  Human Resources Director/Affirmative Action Officer;
  The Executive Dean;
  The Dean of Students;
  The Director of College Safety & Risk Management.
  
  Formal complaints should be made within 180 days of the action, but you may file a complaint at any time.
  
  If warranted, the Human Resources Director/Affirmative Action Officer or their designee will conduct an investigation or may use an outside investigator to do so.
  Please Note: If you feel your personal safety is at risk or a crime is being committed, contact Public Safety immediately, 503.399.5023.
  Harassment Network. Make an appointment to see one of the following individuals to discuss the situation with you. They can advise you of the available options.
  Peggy Borjesson 503.399.2537
  Director, Human Resources/ Affirmative Action Officer
  Cassie Belmodis 503.399.5159
  Coordinator, Health & Physical Education, Athletic Director
  Andrew Bone 503.399.6529
  Ombudsperson/Executive Dean
  Candy Brummond 503.399.2381
  Counselor, Counseling and Career Services
  Jim Eustrom 503.399.6148
  Dean of Students
  Ted Gross 503.316.3290
  Advising Specialist, McMinnville
  Irma Guzman* 503.316.3255
  Office Assistant, Woodburn
  Rebecca Hillyer 503.399.8677
  Director, Campus Safety & Risk Management
  Julie Huckestein 503.399.6575
  Assistant CFO, Business Services and Human Resources
  Steve McLaughlin 503.316.3206
  Instructional Assistant, Santiam
  James McNicholas* 503.589.7644
  Student Services Coordinator, Marketing and Student Recruitment
  Rebecca Woods 503.399.5276
  Coordinator, Disability Services
  *Se habla español

Updated April 10, 2008 by Marketing and Student Recruitment.