The Student Code of Conduct has been developed to maintain an atmosphere conducive to developing optimum educational experiences for all members of the College community. The college’s interest in behavior is separate from that of the civil or criminal authorities. It has the right and responsibility to exercise its jurisdiction and take action as is appropriate to protect its interest. The college may report a discipline matter to civil or criminal authorities whenever appropriate. Conduct in violation of this Code includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

1. Any acts of classroom disruption that go beyond the normal rights of students to question and discuss with instructors the instructional process relative to subject content. If a student is unresponsive to a faculty member’s intervention and remains disruptive in the classroom, the faculty member may ask the student to leave the class session. The student may not return to class until a meeting is held between the student and the instructor or the Dean of Student Development. The instructor shall determine whether to meet with the student. Appropriate classroom behavior will be reinforced. Continued or excessive acts of classroom disruption will prohibit the student from returning to class until meeting with the Dean of Student Development and establishing a behavior contract. The behavior contract must be agreeable to the faculty member, Dean of Student Development and the student. Violation of a behavior contract will result in additional sanctions. The Dean of Student Development may also impose other sanctions.
2. Using cell phones, and other electronic communication and entertainment devices (e.g. tablets, iPad, etc.) in classes, labs, and the library. Cell phones should be turned off or set on vibrating alarm. Electronic entertainment devices should be turned off and put away prior to entering classes, labs, or the library; unless otherwise stated.
3. Using or occupying any space or facilities owned or leased by the College at any time without authorization of the Board of Trustees or the appropriate College administrators;
4. Attempting to prevent or obstruct faculty and/or students going to and from classes or College sponsored activities;
5. Preventing or attempting to prevent any individual on the College campus from carrying out assigned duties or lawful business;
6. Blocking pedestrians or vehicular traffic on or near College facilities;
7. Refusing to comply with College officials performing of their duties;
8. Willfully destroying or damaging College property;
9. Any act of dishonesty toward the College, including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, misuse of College documents or records, forgery, or knowingly furnishing false information to the College, or to others in the name of the College;
10. Any conduct considered disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene, including profane or abusive language toward members of the College community;
11. Any acts of unprofessional conduct;
12. Participating in any activity that endangers the physical being of any person;
13. The use of bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, motorized skateboards, recreational scooters and ALL self-balancing, personal electronic transportation devices, also referred to as powerboards, and more popularly known as hoverboards, are not allowed for use within College buildings;
14. Violating any municipal, county, state or federal law, statute or ordinance while on College facilities;
15. Gambling while on College facilities, unless the activity has been approved by the College and is permitted by law;
16. Students are not permitted to engage in any form of larceny, robbery, shoplifting or stealing involving College or personal property; on College or College related premises. This policy also applies to attempted theft and being in the possession of stolen items;
17. As of July 1, 2015, under Illinois state law, South Suburban College is a smoke-free campus. All property of the College is smoke-free, including buildings, grounds, parking lots and vehicles owned and operated by the College. “Smoke” or “smoking” means the carrying, smoking, burning, inhaling, or exhaling of any kind of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, e-cigarette, hookah, weed, herbs, or other lighted smoking equipment. “Smoke” or “smoking” also includes products containing or delivering nicotine intended or expected for human consumption. Violation of the smoke-free law will result in a referral to the Dean of Student Development.
18. Possessing, selling, using, consuming, or distributing alcoholic beverages or controlled substances (including recreational and medicinal marijuana) or being under the influence of such items at any College facility or at an officially sponsored College event on or off campus.
19. Possessing or using of firearms, explosives, harmful or dangerous chemicals or other weapons capable of inflicting injury to persons or damage to property, except as permitted by College regulations.

Non-violent violations of the Student Code of Conduct will result in remediation. Remediation will teach the student responsible behavior, the need to accept the consequences of behavior, and effective communication and conflict resolution skills.

Violation of this Code of Conduct is considered grounds for sanction against the student and, if the situation should warrant, binding over to civil authorities for appropriate action.

A student accused of violating the Code of Conduct will be referred to the Dean of Student Development or the College Disciplinary Standards Committee. Any alleged infraction requiring the intervention of the College Police Department, which may include, but is not limited to, acts of violence or threats of violence, drug or narcotic violations, or any other action considered a Severe Sanction, will be referred to the Dean of Student Development to schedule a hearing on the infraction with the College Disciplinary Standards Committee. The role of the Dean of Student Development or the College Disciplinary Standards Committee, as appropriate, is to determine whether the student is responsible for the violation. The student will receive notice of the alleged violation, including the specific code violations and appropriate reference to the Student Code of Conduct within five (5) business days.

The Dean or the Student Conduct Board which may include the College Disciplinary Standards Committee may impose any of the following sanctions upon any student found to have violated the Student Code Of Conduct. Classifications of sanctions from minor to intermediate or severe will be imposed based upon the severity of the offense. More than one of the sanctions may be imposed for a single violation.

MINOR SANCTIONS:

1. WARNING: Student receives a warning and/or reprimand that the College has taken note of the student’s action and further violations of the Student Code of Conduct may result in probation, suspension or dismissal depending upon severity of the incident.
2. PROBATION: Student is reprimanded for violating specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and may result in more severe disciplinary sanctions if further violations occur during the probationary period. The student will receive written notification of his/her probation.
3. BEHAVIORAL CONTRACT: Student enters into a written agreement to modify behavior. The student’s failure to fulfill terms of the contract may result in additional disciplinary sanctions.

INTERMEDIATE SANCTIONS:

1. RESTITUTION: Student is required to reimburse for damage to or misappropriation of property in addition to other types of disciplinary action.
2. DISCRETIONARY SANCTIONS: Student is required to complete work assignments, community service, or other assignments.
3. ALCOHOL/DRUG SANCTIONS: Student may receive an assessment and be required to participate in counseling or educational programs in lieu of, or in addition to, the imposition of other disciplinary actions. Parents of students under the age 21 will be notified in the event of discipline related to alcohol and drug use.
4. WITHDRAWAL: Student will administratively be withdrawn from any and all classes with consequent loss of associated tuition and fees.

SEVERE SANCTIONS:

1. SUSPENSION: Student is prohibited from attending all enrolled College courses for a determined period of time and must meet all specific requirements for readmission to College courses as determined by the Dean of Student Development or the College Disciplinary Standards Committee. A suspension will not exceed ten (10) school days per offense.
2. DISMISSAL: Student is prohibited from attending all enrolled College courses for more than ten (10) days. A Dismissal shall not exceed the remainder of the current semester through the following full semester (Fall or Spring). Following the dismissal period, the student must appeal in writing to the Dean of Student Development for reinstatement.
3. EXPULSION: Student is prohibited from attending all enrolled College courses for a period not to exceed the remainder of the current semester through the following two (2) full semesters (Fall or Spring). Following the expulsion period, the student must request reinstatement in writing to the Dean of Student Development. The Dean will review and determine if conditions have been met.

Severe sanctions are mandatory for the following offenses:

• Physical harm, or threat of physical or mental harm, to College employees and/or students and any other members of South Suburban College or its visitors;
• Any conduct, or threat of conduct, considered lewd, indecent or obscene;
• Sale or distribution of any narcotic, drug, marijuana, depressant or other addictive or hallucinogenic substance not expressly permitted by law on College property, either owned, contracted, rented or leased;
• Possession or use of firearms, explosives, harmful or dangerous chemicals or other weapons capable of inflicting injury to persons or damage to property, not otherwise permitted by College regulations;
• Violating any municipal, county, state or federal law, statute or ordinance while on College facilities.

As required by the South Suburban College Code of Conduct, or as determined necessary by the Dean of Student Development or the College Disciplinary Standards Committee, in any matter involving a possible suspension in excess of ten (10) days, dismissal or expulsion is warranted, a disciplinary hearing shall be convened. The discipline hearing will be conducted as soon as possible, but no sooner than two (2) school days and no more than seven (7) school days after the student has been notified of the alleged charges. The Dean of Student Development may extend or reduce the scheduling time limits in his or her discretion.

A student will be considered notified of the alleged charges via email to the student’s SSC email and first class mail to the student’s address on file with the College. The written notice setting forth the alleged charges shall include the date, time, and place of the disciplinary hearing.

A student alleged to have violated the South Suburban College Code of Conduct is strongly encouraged to attend the scheduled discipline hearing. If the student cannot attend on the date, time and place included in the initial notice of alleged charges, the student may request that the Dean of Student Development reschedule disciplinary hearing. Such a request must be made at least 48 hours prior to the disciplinary hearing.

A student who does not request that the disciplinary hearing be rescheduled or fails to appear for at the scheduled disciplinary hearing forfeits the right to appear before the disciplinary standards committee. The disciplinary committee may, in its sole discretion, choose to make a determination without the student present or may recommend the placement of an administrative hold until such time as the meeting occurs.

Students may appeal the decision of the Student Conduct Board which may include the College Disciplinary Standards Committee for the following reasons:

1. New evidence not available to the committee prior to the hearing
2. Due process not followed
3. Conflict of interest with member of College Disciplinary Committee

Appeal must be in writing to the VP of Student and Enrollment Services within 5 business days of receipt of the College Disciplinary Committee decision. The decision of the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services is final.

Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure and Complaint Form

Discrimination And Harassment Grievance Procedure And Complaint Form

The College is committed to providing a safe working environment free from violence and free from the threat of violence. Therefore, Zero Tolerance for violence and threats of violence shall be exercised at the College.

Violence is defined as a physical assault upon any student or employee of the College or visitor at the College and a threat of violence is defined as any verbal or nonverbal communication which is designed to create the fear that a violent act may be committed against the recipient.

The College shall assist members of the College community in reporting acts of violence and threats of violence and the following procedures shall be applicable:

1. Any student who witnesses, hears, or is the recipient of violence or threats of violence shall report the incident to the Campus Police Department.
2. An incident report shall be completed, describing the time, place, and circumstances of the incident as well as the person(s) involved. A copy of the report shall be forwarded to the Dean of Student Development.
3. The College shall immediately remove from the College premises any student accused of committing a violent act or accused of threatening a violent act at the College, until a hearing is held.
4. The College shall fully investigate any reported violent act or threatened violence to a member of the College community or visitor at the College.
5. The student will receive notice of the alleged violation, including reference to specific code violations and information regarding the Student Codes of Conduct procedures.
6. An Interim Suspension denying the student access to the campus (including classes) shall be imposed until the student meets with the College Disciplinary Standards Committee.
7. The Student Conduct Board which may include the College Disciplinary Standards Committee will convene within five (5) school days of the act of violence or threat of violence to review the facts and determine the appropriate Severe Sanction as discipline for a violent act/threat.
8. The Dean of Student Development will notify the student, in writing, of the Committee’s decision.

Within five (5) days of the imposition of any of the above sanctions, the student may submit a written request for a meeting with the Disciplinary Standards Committee. The request shall be made to the Dean of Student Development. Within a reasonable time, the Disciplinary Standards Committee shall meet to review the Dean’s action. At the review, the student may be present to discuss the matter with the Committee. The Committee may take such action as it finds appropriate, including the sanctions as set forth above or no sanction, and inform the student of the decision within two (2) school days of the meeting.

South Suburban College encourages the use of the Internet as a source of information and a means of communication. The use of facilities provided by South Suburban College to access these resources is subject to the following guidelines:

• Users are expected to comply with the Policy for Responsible Use of Information Technology adopted by the Board of Trustees of South Suburban College.
• Users are expected to respect the rights of others to freedom from harassment and intimidation. Sending abusive, clearly unwanted, or threatening materials to others or disrupting the work of others is unacceptable.
• Users are expected to observe copyright, other intellectual property rights and all applicable federal, state and local laws.
• Users are expected to use resources efficiently. Storage space, consumables like paper, and access time are limited resources. Respect any limitations or restrictions imposed to ensure fair access for all users.
• Users are expected to respect the privacy of others’ communications and files. Attempts to violate the privacy of others are unacceptable.
• Users are expected to respect the fact that facilities are provided to further the mission and purpose of South Suburban College and are not to be used for commercial or personal purposes.
• Users are expected to accept responsibility for their own actions and communications. Accordingly, anonymous and pseudonymous communications are prohibited. Users, especially employees of the College, shall not implicitly or explicitly create the impression that they are official spokespersons for the college.

In providing Internet connection, South Suburban College will collect usage statistics and monitor traffic but will attempt to respect the privacy of communications. If complaints about obscene language, personal attacks, attempts to send anonymous or pseudonymous messages, threats, attempts to violate the privacy of others, or other antisocial behavior are received, the college reserves the right to investigate in any way possible. Offenders risk losing privileges at the College and may be subject to College disciplinary procedures and may be subject to civil or criminal actions.

A. Federal Copyright Law (Title 17)

Section 106 of the Federal Copyright Law allows the owner of copyright the exclusive right to do and authorize reproduction, distribution, transfer of ownership by rental, lease or lending, and public performance and display of the copyrighted work.

Section 117 deals exclusively with the rights for computer programs. It states that it is not an infringement for the owner of a copy of a computer program to make or authorize the making of another copy or adaptation of that computer program provided:

1. That such a new copy or adaptation is created as an essential step in the utilization of the computer program in conjunction with a machine and that it is used in no other manner, or
2. That such new copy or adaptation is for archival purposes only and that all archival copies are destroyed in the event that continued possession of the computer program should cease to be rightful.

Any exact copies prepared in accordance with the provision of this section may be leased, sold or otherwise transferred, along with the copy from which such copies were prepared, only as part of the lease, sale or transfer of all rights in the program. Adaptations so prepared may be transferred only with the authorization of the copyright owner.

Section 501 states that anyone who violates any of the exclusive rights of the copyright owner is an infringer. Section 504 and Section 506 allow for civil and criminal charges to be filed against an infringer.

B. Illinois Computer Crime Prevention Law (720 ILCS 5/16D)

5/16D-3. Computer Tampering

Users are expected to respect any additional rules or guidelines which may apply to remote systems accessed using South Suburban College facilities. Further, College facilities are not to be used to try to gain unauthorized access to South Suburban College systems or remote systems.

A person commits the offense of computer tampering when he/she knowingly and without the authorization of a computer’s owner or in excess of the authority granted to him/her:

1. Accesses or causes to be accessed a computer or any part thereof, or a program or data;
2. Accesses or causes to be accessed a computer or any part thereof, or a program or data, and obtains data or services;
3. Accesses or causes to be accessed a computer or any part thereof, or a program or data, and damages or destroys the computer or alters, deletes or removes a computer program or data;
4. Inserts or attempts to insert a “program” into a computer or computer program knowing or having reason to believe that such “program” contains information or commands that will or may damage or destroy that computer, or any other computer subsequently accessing or being accessed by that computer, or that will alter, or may delete or remove a computer program or data from that computer, or any other computer program or data in a computer subsequently accessing or being accessed by that computer, or that will or may cause loss to the users of that computer or the users of a computer which accesses or which is accessed by such “program.”

The criminal charge for computer tampering may be a misdemeanor or felony offense.

5/16D-4. Aggravated Computer Tampering

A person commits aggravated computer tampering when he/she commits the offense of computer tampering as set forth in subsection (a) (3) of Section 16D-3 (above) and he/she knowingly causes disruption of or interference with vital services or operations of state or local government or a public utility; or creates a strong probability of death or great bodily harm to one or more individuals. The criminal charge of aggravated computer tampering is a felony.

5/16D-5. Computer Fraud

A person commits the offense of computer fraud when he/she knowingly:

1. Accesses or causes to be accessed a computer or any part thereof, or a program or data, for the purpose of devising or executing any scheme, artifice to defraud, or as part of a deception;
2. Obtains use of, damages or destroys a computer or any part thereof, or alters, deletes or removes any program or data contained therein, in connection with any scheme, artifice to defraud, or as part of a deception; or
3. Accesses or causes to be accessed a computer or any part thereof, or a program or data, and obtains money or control over any such money, property, or services of another in connection with any scheme, artifice to defraud, or a part of a deception.

The criminal charge for computer fraud is a felony.

Preamble

The policy of Responsible Use of Information Technology is a governing philosophy for regulating all applicable activities by students, faculty members, staff members, and other authorized users of South Suburban College’s facilities and information technology resources. It establishes general principles regarding appropriate use of equipment, software, networks, and facilities.

By adopting this policy, the Board of Trustees recognizes that all members of the College are bound by local, state, and federal laws relating to copyrights, security, and other statutes regarding media. They also recognize the responsibility of faculty, administration, and staff to take leadership roles in carrying out the policy and assuring that the College community honors the policy.

South Suburban College is ultimately responsible for the information and maintenance of information disseminated through College approved WWW Home Pages. In order to protect the College, departments, faculty, staff and students, the College reserves the right to inspect and remove any pages or files from the network.

Departments and College offices interested in having a link to their home page from the South Suburban College WWW site, will contact their dean or appropriate administrator for approval of linkage and content.

Policy

In support of its mission of offering quality in education and excellence in service, South Suburban College provides access to College facilities and information technology resources for students, faculty members, staff members, and other authorized users within institutional priorities and financial capabilities.

Access to the College facilities and information technology resources is a privilege granted to College students, faculty members, staff members, and other authorized users. Access to College facilities and information technology resources may be granted by the College based on the following factors: relevant laws and contractual obligations, the requester’s need to know, the information’s sensitivity, the risk of damage or loss on the part of the College, and derived educational benefit.

The College reserves the right to extend, limit, restrict, or deny computing privileges and access to its information resources. Data custodians- whether departments, divisions, students, faculty members, or staff members- reserve the right to grant access to information only for responsible uses that are consistent with the mission and purpose of the College and as long as such access does not violate any license or contractual agreement, College policy, or any federal, state, county, or local law or ordinance.

College facilities and information technology resources are to be used for the College-related activities for which they are intended or authorized. College facilities and information technology resources are not to be used for commercial purposes or personal purposes.

All members of the College community who use the South Suburban College facilities and information technology resources must act responsibly in their use of the resources. Every user is responsible for the integrity of the resources. All users of College-owned or College-leased facilities and information technology resources must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and comply with all pertinent licenses and contractual agreements. South Suburban College’s policy requires that all members of its community act in accordance with these responsibilities, relevant laws and contractual obligations, and the highest standard of ethics.

Authorized users and system administrators must guard against all abuses that disrupt or threaten the viability of any systems, including those at the College and those on networks to which the College systems are connected. Access to the College facilities and information technology resources without proper authorization from the data custodian(s), unauthorized use of College computing facilities, and intentional or negligent corruption or misuse of College facilities and information technology resources are direct violations of the College’s standards for conduct.

These standards are outlined in South Suburban College Board Policy and Procedures, College collective bargaining agreements, and the Student Code of Conduct. Such activities may also constitute civil and/or criminal offenses.

Implementation

The President or his/her designee is responsible for supervising the adoption of guidelines and procedures to implement this policy. System administrators may adopt additional guidelines and procedures for use of their own systems. Any additional guidelines and procedures adopted by system administrators must be consistent with this policy and must be approved by the President or his/her designee before adoption.

Enforcement

Alleged violations of this policy will be processed according to the administrative processes outlined in one or more of the following: South Suburban College Board Policy and Procedures, College collective bargaining agreements, the Student Code of Conduct, and the Academic Code of Conduct. South Suburban College treats access and use violations of College facilities and information technology resources seriously. South Suburban College may institute criminal and/or civil proceedings against violators as it deems necessary.