Student Conduct

   Students attending Oakland Community College are expected to respect and abide by the laws governing the community in which the college is located as well as the rules, regulations and policies of the college. Students are expected to be familiar with all of the rules and regulations.

Student Discipline Guidelines /

1. Procedural Due Process
   Procedural due process appropriate to the specific case must be followed prior to the imposition of discipline for violation of rules and regulations. Some elements of due process, such as timely and specific notice of charges, are almost always appropriate regardless of the gravity of the violation alleged. Other elements of due process may be appropriate to the hearing of an appeal. Prior to the hearing, the student shall be informed of the elements of due process to be followed in the case. Upon appeal to the Campus Board of Conduct, among the elements that may be provided are:

1. Timely and specific notice of the charges;
2. Right to rebut adverse testimony;
3. Right to a written transcript of the hearing;
4. Right to representation by a lawyer.

Other procedural safeguards may be followed as required by the circumstances.

2. Burden and Standard of Proof
   The burden shall be on the college to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the student violated the rules and regulations.

3. Status of Student Pending Hearing and Appeal
   A student’s status shall not be changed prior to hearing an appeal unless there is reasonable cause to believe that the student’s status (for example, his or her continued presence in the classroom) poses a danger to others or will disrupt the educational process. The decision to alter a student’s status pending hearing and appeal will be made by the responsible dean.

4. Forms of Discipline
   Disciplinary action must be proportionate to the violation and, depending on the nature of the violation, may take the form of a reprimand; restrictions on activities or privileges; restitution; denial of honors, certificate or degree; probation; temporary or permanent suspension from a class or program; dismissal from the college; or other measures appropriate under the circumstances of the case.

5. Procedures for Classroom Misconduct
   The following procedures shall govern cases where a violation of any rule or regulation regarding classroom conduct is alleged. If misconduct warrants an immediate suspension from the class for the remainder of the class period, the instructor may do so without a prior hearing. Under certain circumstances, Public Safety Officers may be called upon to help stabilize a scene. The instructor shall provide written notice to the dean responsible for Student Services as soon as practicable.
   If misconduct warrants additional or different discipline, the instructor shall consult with the appropriate dean who may elect to:

1. Meet with the student, the instructor (if consenting) and other appropriate persons to explore and adopt non-disciplinary solutions, including the establishment of guidelines for retaining the student in the class; or
2. Conduct a meeting with the student and other persons appropriate to the case, make a written determination of the facts and take disciplinary action if such action is warranted; or
3. Take no action.

The student may appeal the dean’s decision to the Campus Board of Conduct (see Appeal Process, subparagraph 7, below).

6. Procedures for Other Violations
   Violations of any rule or regulation except those regarding classroom conduct shall be reported to the responsible dean who may elect to:

1. Meet with the student and other appropriate persons to explore and adopt non-disciplinary solutions; or
2. Conduct a meeting with the student and other persons appropriate to the case, make a written determination of the facts, and take disciplinary action if such action is warranted; or
3. Take no action.

   The student may appeal the decision of the responsible dean to the Campus Board of Conduct (see Appeal Process, subparagraph 7).

7. Appeal Process
   Appeals must be filed in writing with the responsible dean within 20 calendar days of the date the notice of action was issued. The appeal shall state the reason(s) the dean’s decision should not stand. As soon as reasonably possible, the Board of Campus Conduct shall notify the student in writing of the hearing date and appropriate elements of due process. The board shall then conduct a hearing (unless waived by the student) and shall affirm, modify or reverse the dean’s decision. The board’s decision may be appealed to the campus president in writing within seven calendar days of the date of notice of board actions. The president shall affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the board. The president’s decision shall be final.

8. Campus Board of Conduct
   Each campus shall provide a Campus Board of Conduct. The board shall be composed of five voting members as follows:

1. One campus dean selected by the administration (not involved with the disciplinary action) who shall act as chair and shall conduct the hearing;
2. Two students selected by approved student organizations; and
3. Two faculty selected by the Campus Academic Senate.

Administrative Withdrawal / When a student’s behavior is unacceptable in a learning environment and the rights and/or safety of other students or staff are violated, the student may be administratively withdrawn.
   The dean will review all witnessed claims of inappropriate behavior with the student prior to administrative withdrawal. Students subject to this withdrawal may initiate an appeal in accordance with the appeals process.

Equal Opportunity/Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure / Oakland Community College does not discriminate against applicants, employees or students on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual harassment), age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, Vietnam era veteran status, or disability in its employment practices and/or educational programs or activities.

Concerns about the above should be communicated to:
Equal Opportunity Compliance Officer
Oakland Community College
2480 Opdyke Road
Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48304-2266
Phone: 248.341.2000