Code of Student Conduct
Standards of Conduct and Student Rights
The purpose of this section is to provide guidelines to the educational environment of Vernon College. This environment views students in a holistic manner, encouraging and inviting them to learn and grow independently. Such an environment presupposes both rights and responsibilities.
Standards and procedures, which comprise the Code of Student Conduct, are considered as College policy. All students need to become familiar with the information contained in this publication in order that they may be sufficiently informed of the standards of conduct established by the College. These regulations apply to individuals as well as to individuals acting in concert with others (groups, student organizations, etc.). Enrollment in Vernon College is considered by the College as implicit declaration of acceptance on the part of the student of College regulations. It is stressed that all local, state, and federal laws are supported by the College. Being a student does not exempt a person from being a law-abiding citizen.
Vernon College is an academic community in which all persons share responsibility for its growth and continued well-being. As members of the College community, students can reasonably expect the following:
- In all instances of general discipline, the student has the right to due process. Due process, as applied to student-College relationship and the disciplinary process, is equated with fundamental and procedural fairness.
- Students have the right to freedom from discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, self-identification, creed, national origin, or disability.
- Vernon College considers freedom of inquiry and discussion essential to a student’s intellectual development. Thus, the College recognizes the right of all students to engage in discussion, to exchange thought and opinion, and to speak, write, or print freely on any subject in accordance with the guarantees of federal and state laws.
- The College affirms the right of students as citizens to exercise their freedoms without fear of College interference for such activity.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in the formulation of policy directly affecting students through membership on appropriate committees as determined by the President of the College, and other recognized groups within the College community.
- Students shall have ready access to established College policies and procedures.
- Students, as members of the College community, have the responsibility to participate in any of the disciplinary proceedings and to testify as a witness when reasonably notified. Self-incrimination is not intended or construed.
- Students are free to engage in peaceful and orderly protest, demonstration, and picketing at times and in areas designated by the College, which do not disrupt functions of the College.
- Students are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures.