Student Conduct FAQs

The SSAO (or designee) reviews the report to determine whether there is reasonable cause that a violation occurred. If so, both the Complainant (if any) and Respondent will be notified in writing, and the College will decide which conduct resolution (informal or formal) pathway to use.

Academic integrity cases typically begin in the classroom, where the instructor addresses concerns related to cheating, plagiarism, or other academic misconduct. The Student Conduct Office handles broader behavioral expectations and may become involved when the academic integrity violation warrants a formal conduct review.

A conduct hearing is an opportunity for the student to respond to the alleged violation of the Code of Student Behavioral Expectations and Responsibilities. The goal is to review relevant information, ensure fairness, and determine whether the alleged violation(s) occurred.

Missing the hearing does not pause or reset the conduct process unless the student has communicated a documented emergency or compelling circumstance before the hearing and requests to reschedule. If the student simply fails to attend without notice, the conduct hearing and a decision will commence in the student’s absence.

Yes. Students may have an advisor of their choice, at their own expense. Advisors may not speak on the student’s behalf.

The College uses the preponderance of evidence standard—meaning it must be more likely than not that a violation occurred.

Yes, but only if:

• The student was suspended or expelled, or
• The Appellate Officer grants a discretionary appeal for lesser outcomes

Appeals must be based on:

• A material procedural error, or
• New, relevant information that was not available during the investigation.

Failing to attend the student’s scheduled conduct hearing is not a legitimate reason to appeal. Appeals must be submitted within 10 business days of the decision.

The Appellate Officer:

• Reviews whether the appeal meets criteria
• Notifies other involved parties if appropriate
• Makes a determination based on the case record
• May uphold, modify, or send the case back for further review

The appeal decision is final.

Yes. Records are protected under FERPA. Most conduct records are kept for seven years, especially those involving suspension, expulsion, or civil rights matters. A student may request early sealing of records, subject to SSAO approval.

Retaliation includes any act meant to threaten, intimidate, or harm someone for reporting a violation or participating in the conduct process. Retaliation is strictly prohibited.

No. Conduct records are maintained separately and do not appear on academic transcripts. They may be disclosed externally only with the student’s written consent or as allowed by FERPA. Access is limited to college officials with a legitimate educational interest. Students may request to review their own conduct record at any time.

CCCS System Procedure SP 4-30a