Conduct Standards and Regulations
The following standards and regulations have been adopted by South College to ensure the safety and well-being of the student body and the college facilities. Any student found guilty of an infraction will be accorded due process as explained in the Disciplinary Procedures section of this handbook.
- Academic Irregularity
- All students shall abide by the South College Academic Honor Code (See preceding section).
- Students participating in a college sponsored work experience (internships, clinical situations, field projects, or other college authorized experiences) shall not leave his/her worksite without express permission of the supervisor in charge.
Note: A student questioning a grading policy should refer to the Assignment Grade Dispute and/or the Course Grade Appeal process outlined in the Appeals Process section of the South College Catalog, which can be accessed at www.south.edu.
- Falsification of Records
Students shall not alter, forge, counterfeit, or cause to be altered, forged, or counterfeited, any records, documents, or forms in use at South College.
- Financial Responsibility
Students are expected and required to meet all financial obligations to South College while enrolled. The college reserves the right to prohibit any student from attending courses if financial arrangements are not made to the college’s satisfaction.
- Computer Policy
Students shall abide by the South College Computer Code of Ethics when using the college’s computer resources. As described in detail in the Code, which is located on the South College Student Portal, computers cannot be used in any manner that violates any local, state, or federal laws or infringes copyright provisions. The use of computers to violate the welfare, safety, or privacy of students, faculty, administration, or others is prohibited.
- Copyright Infringement
Students shall not share files with peers without authorization, and/or illegally download and/or distribute copyrighted materials using the institution’s information technology system without authorization. Incidents that occur in regard to academic work are violations of the Academic Honor Code and the Honor Code procedure and penalties will be applied. In non-academic situations, the disciplinary procedures for violations of the Student Conduct Standards and Regulations will be followed.
- Damage to Property
The willful and malicious damage or destruction of South College property (buildings, its contents, and the outside physical area surrounding the buildings) is prohibited. Students are obligated to pay for all property damage caused by improper use.
- Theft
Students shall not take, attempt to take, possess, or sell any property that is not his/her own, without appropriate authorization.
- Firearms and Weapons
Students are prohibited from possession and use of firearms or other weapons while on any South College campus or at any off-campus college sponsored activity. Possession includes inside one’s vehicle. Exception: Certified law enforcement officers who are enrolled at South College must register with the Dean of Academic and Student Services each quarter.
The college reserves the right to search or have searched the personal property (including vehicles) of any student when the Dean of Academic and Student Services or designee determines there is sufficient reason for the search. An example of a sufficient reason is that the safety of the student or of others may be at risk.
- Drug-Free School Policy (Including Alcohol)
It is the policy of South College to maintain a safe and healthy environment for its students and employees.
- Thus, any student who is intoxicated or is under the influence of any drug or controlled substance including alcoholic beverages, or who misuses legally prescribed or “over the counter” drugs will be subject to disciplinary action.
- Additionally, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of drugs or alcohol is prohibited on any South College campus, in any of the college’s buildings, or as a part of any college-related activities (such as field trips, internships, or social activities). Such illegal use of drugs is a violation of local, state, and federal laws.
- If any of these violations do occur, further disciplinary action may occur in the form of immediate dismissal from South College, and/or mandatory counseling or rehabilitation by an appropriate agency.
- If a student’s performance, either on campus, in the online course environment, or when participating in college-sponsored activities (either academic or non-academic activities) while off campus, may have been affected in any way by abuse or misuse of drugs (either legal or illegal drugs) or alcohol, or that a student has otherwise violated the Drug-Free School policy, it may require the student to submit to an alcohol and/or drug test. (See Drug-Free School Policy and Testing Procedures .)
- If a student refuses to submit to testing in a reasonable period of time, refuses to authorize the release of test results to the college, tampers with a drug test or tests positive for drugs or alcohol as a result of such a test, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the institution.
- Additional information relating to this policy is distributed at the new student orientation sessions conducted each quarter and is available from the Student Affairs staff.
- Disorderly Assembly
Assembling on campus for the purpose of creating a riot, causing a disruption to the academic environment, or interfering with or undermining the effective operation of the college is prohibited. Individuals or groups who do so will be subject to disciplinary or legal action.
- Disorderly Conduct
Any conduct that is disorderly or obscene or that causes a breach of peace on campus, in the online course environment, or at any college-sponsored function is prohibited and should be reported immediately to the Student Affairs Department. The following are samples of disorderly conduct:
- Students shall not disrupt a class session in progress.
- Students shall not strike, push, or physically assault another student, a member of the faculty/staff, or a visitor to the campus.
- Students shall not attempt to enter any college-sponsored event without proper identification, as determined necessary by the college.
- Oral or written conduct or expressions that slander, harass, demean, degrade, bully, discriminate, or threaten and/or are offensive to the prevalent standards of the college or its community is prohibited.
- Any hazing acts are strictly prohibited. Hazing includes any type of act that causes injury or emotional harm to an individual as part of an initiation or to maintain membership in an organization.
- Students who take other actions deemed inappropriate in a college setting will be held accountable for their actions.
- Unprofessional Conduct
Any conduct that is deemed unprofessional is prohibited and should be reported immediately to the Student Affairs Services Department. The following are samples of unprofessional conduct:
- Using inappropriate and/or curse words or displaying offensive hand signals.
- Ignoring or disrespecting a faculty/staff member or an administrator.
- Disregarding the directions given by a faculty/staff member or an administrator.
- Writing inappropriate language or expressions that are viewed as offensive to the prevalent standards of the college or its community.
- Other actions deemed inappropriate in a college setting.
- Sexual Harassment
South College does not sanction, nor will it tolerate, any behavior by faculty, staff, or students that constitutes sexual harassment. Any student who feels that he or she has been the victim of sexual harassment is strongly encouraged to report the incident immediately to the designated Title IX Coordinator outlined in the Sex Discrimination (Title IX) Policy and Grievance Procedures in this handbook.
- Social Media
Students are expected to adhere to the same behavioral standards when using social media as they use when interacting with others in person. Social media are communication tools which when used inappropriately can damage reputations and cause harmful reactions. A student is in violation of this policy when he/she uses social media to slander, harass, demean, degrade, bully, discriminate, or threaten others and/or when postings are offensive to the prevalent standards of the college or its community. These postings include photographs, pictures, diagrams, drawings, video, video clips, films, and other material which may be inflammatory or demeaning. If a student has been identified as having openly disparaged South College, or members of its community in a libelous or harassing manner in a public Internet forum - Facebook, Instagram, X, etc. - or via phone usage, the student may face disciplinary action, comparable to if the offense occurred on campus. Any student who has encountered a bullying incident should report the violation to the Student Affairs Department Coordinator/Director.
- Dress Code
The South College dress code is applicable to all students, day or evening, and is in effect at all times when the student is present on campus or is on a class field trip. This includes class times, laboratory hours, study days, final examinations, or visitation to the campus for other reasons. Students in online courses with video sessions/presentationsshould also adhere to the dress code. Students failing to adhere to the college dress code will be asked to leave campus or the online session. Students will be expected to adhere to the dress code outlined below.
Attire While On-Campus, In Online Video Sessions/Presentations, or on Class Field Trips
- Clothing worn by students should be neat, clean, and in good repair for the personal health and safety of students.
- Clothing that detracts from the learning process and/or is offensive to the campus environment must not be worn.
- Articles of clothing and jewelry that display profanity, symbols, products, slogans that promote tobacco, alcohol, drugs, violence, illegal activities, sex, or racial/ethnic/religious/prejudice are prohibited.
- Students shall not wear:
- Shorts, skorts, or skirts more than 3 inches above the knee.
- Tightly fitted clothing such as Spandex shorts or pants or clothing made of similar materials.
- Clothing that is see-through, frayed, or has holes.
- Shirts/tops that do not cover the midriff, back, shoulders, or chest.
- Shirts/tops that do not cover the waistband of pants, shorts, or skirts.
- Jewelry that could be used as weapons (wallet chain, etc.).
- Extra-long belts or ones that hang loosely.
- In some courses, such as Allied Health courses and computer-related courses, students may be asked to remove jewelry or cover visible tattoos as appropriate.
- Appropriate footwear is required at all times.
- Undergarments should not be visible.
Attire for Off-Campus Student Services Activities
- For off-campus activities, such as Directors Excursions and student organization events, students are to remember that although they are not on-campus, they represent the institution and should dress appropriately for the activity.
- Internship, Clinical, and Work-Study Attire
- Students assigned to college-sponsored worksites are expected to follow appropriate dress
codes as outlined by their supervising faculty/staff member and the worksite.
- Students should be aware that they represent South College and should dress in a professional
manner.
- Food and Beverages
Eating and drinking of food and beverages are prohibited in all college buildings except in the student break areas. Water is permitted in classrooms as long as it is maintained in sealed containers. Receptacles for trash are provided in these areas.
- Smoking/Other Tobacco Use and E-Cigarettes
Smoking, chewing tobacco, dipping snuff, or using E-Cigarettes are prohibited except in personal vehicles. The use of all tobacco products and any type of E-Cigarette (vapor) is not allowed in the buildings or on the campus grounds.
- Parking
The parking lots are used by students and college employees on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may not park in any spaces which are reserved for faculty and staff. There are also accessible parking spaces designated for people with disabilities (a valid state-issued sticker, plate or hangtag must be displayed on the vehicle). For campuses that require parking decals, the South College parking decal must be displayed at all times. Violation of campus parking policies may result in the towing of associated vehicles and/or disciplinary action.
- Student ID
The use of a student identification card by anyone other than its original holder is prohibited. Lending, selling, or otherwise transferring a student identification card is also prohibited. Students are asked to have their Student ID with them anytime they are on campus as they may be asked to present or display the ID.
Disciplinary Procedures
Undergraduate Students
Alleged violations of the Student Conduct Standards and Regulations or other student misconduct shall be referred to the Student Affairs Coordinator/Director. The Director may convene a preliminary conference with the School/Department Dean/Department Chairperson/Program Director and the student involved to consider the complaint.
The conference members may take any of the following actions:
- Determine that no action is warranted;
- Render an administrative reprimand which may be recorded on the student’s permanent record;
- Confer disciplinary probation which may be recorded on the student’s permanent record;
- Implement other actions or penalties deemed appropriate by the Student Affairs/Services Director and the School/Department Dean/Department Chairperson/Program Director; or
- Dismiss the student from the college. In cases of dismissal, the designated official may recommend to the Dean of Academic and Student Services and the Chief Academic Officer that the student be dismissed. Approval must be granted prior to communicating the dismissal decision.
The student will be informed in writing by email of the decision within three business days of the conference.
Graduate Students
If an alleged violation is committed by a graduate student, the Student Affairs Coordinator/Director, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Services, or Dean of Academic and Student Services will meet with the graduate student’s Dean and/or Associate/Assistant Dean to determine how the matter should be handled. If the alleged violation is a breach of the college’s Conduct Standards and Regulations, the Student Affairs Coordinator/Director, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Services, or the Dean of Academic and Student Services will convene a preliminary conference with the program representative and the student. The actions that can be taken are the same as those for undergraduates (listed above). If the alleged violation goes beyond the college’s standards and is a breach of the program’s professional conduct regulations, the incident will be dealt with by the specific program process.
Appeal Procedures
If the student is not satisfied with the decision, and an appeal is desired for disciplinary actions, academic situations, and/or penalties imposed for a violation of the South College Academic Honor Code, the student will follow the Dismissal and Disciplinary Action Appeal procedures outlined in the Appeals Process section of the South College Catalog, which can be accessed at www.south.edu. Please note, a dismissal decision made by the Chief Academic Officer for violation of the South College Academic Honor Code and/or Student Conduct Standards and Regulations is final so far as dismissal are concerned and cannot be appealed at the institutional level.
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