Student Rights & Responsibilities – Student FAQs

Student Conduct

Below are common Student Conduct questions about the disciplinary process. If you have a question not covered below, please reach out to the Dean of Student Affairs.

What is the Student Standards of Conduct?

The Student Standards of Conduct is a guide to educate students on appropriate behavior by which all ACC students are expected to abide, fostering personal and academic integrity as well as maintaining respect for the rights of one another in our College community.

Who does the Student Standards of Conduct apply to?

The Student Standards of Conduct applies to every enrolled student, including students who are:

  • Full/part time
  • On/off-campus
  • Online course(s)
  • Continuing education
  • Adult education
  • High School Relations students

What happens when an alleged violation is reported against me?

The ACC Dean/Associate Dean of Student Affairs will notify you of the allegation and set up a meeting to get your side of the story. The dean will review the evidence and determine if a violation of the Student Standards of Conduct took place. A formal investigation may follow, and if a violation occurred, appropriate sanctions might be issued.The dean will guide you through the process.

The Dean's office contacted me to set up an meeting with them. What does this mean?

It most likely means that a Conduct Notification Report, containing your name, was submitted to the Student Affairs Dean’s office. The report may contain information suggesting you might have violated the Student Standards of Conduct or witnessed someone who did. You should follow the instructions provided and meet with the dean.

If the communication received contains a specific date and time for a meeting, you are required to appear for that meeting. If you have a scheduling conflict, it is your responsibility to call the dean’s office to reschedule.

What should I expect when I meet with the Dean? How should I prepare?

During the meeting, you will be provided with information about the incident, your student rights, an overview of the student standards of conduct, allegations brought against you, and an opportunity to present your side of the story. Before the meeting, write down your recollection of events and make a list of questions you want to ask. You should also review the Student Standards of Conduct guidelines and procedures.

What happens if I don’t show up to the meeting or don’t cooperate with the conduct process?

It is your right and in your best interest to meet with the Dean/Associate Dean of Student Affairs to discuss the incident and allegations. They will do their best to work with your schedule and availability. However, if you choose not to attend or are unresponsive during the disciplinary process, the investigation will continue without you and additional charges may be placed against you. The dean can also place a hold on your record preventing you from registering or requesting transcripts.

What is Due Process?

As an ACC student, you have the right to due process during disciplinary procedures. This includes you right to:

  • Receive notice of a complaint against you
  • Know the evidence being presented against you
  • Know the name of the complainant
  • The opportunity to present your side to an unbiased party

What are considered violations of the Student Standards of Conduct?

Some examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Misuse of College computers, technology, or other electronics
  • Illegal acts
  • Acting in a manner that significantly interferes or endangers the College community inside or outside the classroom
  • Drug/alcohol use & paraphernalia
  • Theft/damage to property
  • Putting people in danger
  • Unauthorized entry or misuse of College property
  • Scholastic dishonesty: cheating, plagiarism and collusion
    For the complete list of student responsibilities, go to Section 2.A – 2.G of the Student Standards of Conduct.

What is a sanction and what are some examples?

A sanction is a consequence for a conduct violation. Sanctions are determined and issued by the Dean/Associate Dean of Student Affairs administering the case. These are possible sanctions:  

  • Restitution – Reimbursement for loss, damages or injury
  • Alternative Sanction – includes restorative justice
  • Written/Verbal Reprimand – Warning
  • Removal from course(s) – Withdrawal from course(s)
  • Restrictions/loss of privileges – Not allowed to participate or have access to College property or activities
  • Probation – Specified period of time during which a student is required to comply with terms and not engaged in further violations.
  • Suspension – Temporary removal from College
  • Expulsion – Permanent separation from the College

What happens when an investigation is complete?

If it’s determined that a violation occurred and you are found responsible, an appropriate consequence (also known as a sanction) will be issued. Within ten (10) business days of the completion of the investigation, the dean will send you a written notice of the findings, an explanation of the sanction(s), and deadline/process for an appeal.

What is the process for an appeal?

A request for appeal must be given in writing to the appropriate Regional Executive Dean of Student Affairs. Depending on the sanction, the appeal may be reviewed by the Executive Dean or a review panel for a final decision. The written appeal must be submitted within five (5) business days of receipt of the ruling.

Appeals to the Regional Executive Dean are limited to a review of the documents. The decision of the Regional Executive Dean final. The student will be notified of a decision within five (5) business days of the receipt of the request for an appeal.

Appeals to the Judicial Review Panel (JRP) are limited to the following parameters:

  • Disciplinary process procedures were not properly followed
  • New information has been discovered
  • Evidence of bias during the proceedings
  • The decision of the JRP is final and is not subject to further appeal.  

    The Appeals process is outlined, in detail, in Section D of the Student Standards of Conduct.

How long will a violation be on my record?

A conduct record is active for 7 years. Note: suspension and expulsion cases are active forever.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (PL93-380), FERPA, is a law that ensures that ACC protects the confidential student educational records. For more information about FERPA, visit the website.

Off Campus Violations

Q: Can I be charged with violating the Student Standards of Conduct if I’m involved in an incident off campus?

A: Yes, if the incident occurred at an ACC event, activity, off campus course, or online.

Prior Disciplinary Record

Q: I have a disciplinary record. How will this affect my application process when transferring to another institution?

A: Most institutions require a disciplinary background check which ACC is required to provide.

Non-Academic Student Complaints

Below are common questions pertaining to the Non-Academic student complaint process. If you have a question not covered below, please reach out to the Dean of Student Affairs.

What are 'non-academic' complaints?

Non-academic complaints are issues involving (but not limited to) issues with College services and offices, or interactions with employees.

What type of complaints would NOT be covered under this policy?

The following issues are not covered under these procedures because they are already specifically addressed under other administrative rules or policies:

  • Discrimination or Harassment on basis of
    • Disability
    • Race, color, or national origin
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Grade change
  • Financial aid appeal
  • Admissions and records appeal

I have a non-academic complaint. What should I do first?

The first thing you should do is attempt an informal resolution with the College official. Oftentimes, these issues are simple miscommunication or misunderstanding and can typically be resolved verbally.

If informal resolution doesn't work, what should I do next?

You may move to the Formal Resolution Process. This process is designed to help students and employees achieve disagreement resolutions in a fair and constructive manner.

How do I begin the Formal Resolution Process?

Formal complaints are submitted online using the form located HERE. Be sure to provide relevant dates of events and include the names of all parties involved. The complaint will be routed to the immediate supervisor against whom the complaint is made. The supervisor will provide a decision within ten (10) business days from receipt of written complaint.

I submitted a formal complain, but resolved the issue informally. What do I do next?

Even after submitting a formal complaint, you are encouraged to continue seeking informal resolution of your concerns. You will be able to withdraw a formal complaint at any point in the process. To do this, contact the supervisor of the employee.

What if I’m unsatisfied with the resolution?

If you are not satisfied with the resolution from the first level supervisor, you may submit a written appeal with the second level supervisor (ie: dean, director, or department chair) within ten (10) days. If you are not satisfied with the second level supervisor’s resolution, you can appeal a final time with the third level supervisor (ie: AVC or Vice Chancellor). The third level supervisor’s determination is final.

Who can I reach out to if I have a question about the complaint process?

You can reach out to your campus’ Dean/Associate Dean of Student Affairs. See contact information here.

Why am I asked to include my desired outcome?

Formal resolution is an inclusive and collaborative process. Your input is valuable to that process and helps in the improvement of College services.

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