Definitions

Academic Exercise – All forms of work (oral, written, electronic, or otherwise) submitted for credit, non-credit, grading, continuance, graduation, honors, awards, scholarships or recognition at the College, including but not limited to non-graded assignments, in class discussions, and clinical, externship and internship assignments, as well as materials submitted to other institutions, associations, or organizations for evaluation (including evaluation for awards or scholarships) or for publication.

Administrative Hearing Officers – Members of the College community selected and trained by the CCA, to serve as a designee of the CCA, and to assume responsibility for violations of the Code of Conduct. They may be chosen from a pool of annually trained administrators, faculty or staff.

Administrative Resolution – A resolution of a complaint which is implemented by the CCA. An Administrative Resolution shall be put in writing by the CCA and maintained in a student’s disciplinary file. The Student shall have five (5) days after issuance of the Administrative Resolution letter to request a Student Conduct Board Hearing or Appeal.

Advisor – A support person selected by the student during the Administrative Resolution and/or Conduct Board Hearing stage of the Code of Conduct process, including a staff or faculty member, student, family member or an attorney, and at their own expense. An advisor’s role is limited to advising the Student directly and discretely. An advisor is not otherwise permitted to participate directly in the meeting or hearing. The role of advisor is voluntary on the part of College personnel who retain the right to decline a request to serve as an advisor for the Code of Conduct process.

Appeals Officer – The College’s designated administrator responsible for reviewing appeals. In cases of academic dishonesty, the Appeals Officer shall be the College’s senior academic officer or designee.

Code of Conduct Administrator (CCA) – The College official charged with the responsibility of administering the College’s Student Code of Conduct. A member of the Massachusetts Community College Council (MCCC) shall not be selected to serve as the CCA.

College Official – Any person employed or contracted by the College to perform administrative, instructional, or professional duties.

College Property – Includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College, including adjacent streets and sidewalks.

Complaint – An allegation of a violation of the Code of Conduct, which is filed with or by the CCA.

Day – Shall mean a business day. The number of days indicated at each level shall be considered as a maximum. All reasonable efforts shall be made to expedite the process, but the CCA, Student Conduct Board and/or Appeals Officer may extend the time limits at their discretion with notice to both parties in writing, including for inclement weather and/or College closures.

Disciplinary Reentry – The process through which a student who was separated from the College through a student conduct-related action is permitted to return.

Material and Substantial Disruption or Interference – Material and substantial disruption or interference includes conduct: (1) that affects the day-to-day operations of the College; or (2) where the rights of another are disrupted or interfered with such that they cannot engage in or participate in a college related program, activity or event. Determining what constitutes a “material and substantial disruption or interference” is determined on a case-by-case basis, and in the sole discretion of the CCA. Examples include, but are not limited to: shouting down a speaker; disrupting a faculty member’s instruction such that it impedes the learning process; failure to comply with a College Official’s appropriate directives or instructions; threats of harm; harassing conduct; fights or violent behavior; blocking access to or from any College facilities, events or services; or conduct that places health or safety at risk. Material and substantial disruption or interference does not include conduct that is protected under the First Amendment.

Outcome – The final determination of responsibility in the student conduct process. An outcome may either be “responsible” or “not responsible.”

Sanctions – An obligation that a student or student organization must abide by or complete when found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions are not required to be imposed progressively, but are based on the severity and/or frequency of the violation.

Sanctions under this policy shall include, but are not limited to:

Written Warning – An official written notice to a student that their conduct is in violation of College rules or regulations.
Restrictions/Loss of Privileges – Restriction or loss of privileges as a student for a specified period of time, including but not limited to: attending College classes, events and/or activities; accessing College property or specifically designated areas; or participating in College organizations.
Educational Sanction – A project or developmental activity imposed with the goal of educating the student about personal responsibility and/or the impacts of their behavior.
Financial Payment - The assessment of financial charges or other forms of reimbursement for any damage or loss incurred by the College or any members of the College community.
Disciplinary Probation – A student’s status at the College is in jeopardy due to one or more violations of the Code of Conduct. Disciplinary Probation is a more severe sanction than a written warning. Unless expressly authorized by the CCA, a student on disciplinary probation may not represent the College in any capacity. Examples include but are not limited to: running for or holding office in any student organizations; participating in intercollegiate athletic teams, intramural programs, any student clubs or organizations; representing the college in community service projects; participating in study abroad programs or paid or unpaid internship programs (unless such internship is a required component of their academic program).
Disciplinary Suspension – Separation from the College or a program, without financial reimbursement, for a specified period of time not to exceed three academic years. Conditions for readmission may be specified, including a reinstatement review and meeting with the CCA to demonstrate that the student is prepared to return to the college environment and abide by the expectations of behavior outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Unless expressly authorized by the CCA, a student on disciplinary suspension may not represent the College in any capacity. During the suspension period, the student may not register or participate in classes, use College communication systems such as e-mail, or enter College property, and loses all privileges to participate in any College functions, events, or activities without prior written approval from the CCA.

Any suspension may be deferred for a designated period of time, not to exceed one (1) semester. Deferred suspension will be utilized in unique circumstances where deferring the suspension would be in the best interest of the student as determined by the CCA. A student on deferred suspension who is found responsible for an additional violation of the Student Code of Conduct may be issued additional sanctions, up to and including Expulsion. A deferred suspension may be rescinded at the discretion of the CCA if, during the time between the issuance of the deferred suspension and when the suspension will go into effect, the student demonstrates a change in behavioral choices indicating that they are effectively able to comport themselves with the behavioral expectations outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
Disciplinary Expulsion – Permanent separation from the College or a program without financial reimbursement. An expelled student may not be readmitted to the College or a program, and a notation of expulsion from the College shall be placed on the student’s official College transcript.

Standard of Proof: Preponderance of Evidence – The standard used in resolving a complaint filed under this Code’s Disciplinary Process. The standard is met if the proposition is more likely to be true than not true (i.e.; more probable than not). Effectively, the standard is satisfied if there is greater than a fifty percent (50%) chance that the proposition is true.

Student – For the purposes of the Student Code of Conduct, “student” means any individual who:

has been issued a student identification number; or
has received an offer of admission;
is enrolled in courses, whether full-time or part-time, credit or non-credit; or
is participating in a non-degree, dual enrollment, or early college program; or
is not currently enrolled but has a continuing educational relationship with the College.

Student Conduct File – The printed/written/electronic file, which may include, but is not limited to, investigatory materials, incident report(s), correspondence, witness statements, and student conduct history.

Student Organization – An association or group of persons, including, but not limited to, any recognized student club, organization, or team.

Student Conduct Board – Members of the College community selected and trained by the CCA to conduct a hearing when a Student appeals an Administrative Resolution. Members of the Student Conduct Board shall not have any conflict of interest and are required to act in a fair and impartial manner.

Updated September 2025