Academic and Administrative Policies and Judicial

Safety and Security

Alcoholic Beverages

The use or possession of alcoholic beverages on the campus by students or their guests is prohibited and is grounds for suspension from the College. Students are expected to comply with municipal, state and federal laws pertaining to the possession and use of alcoholic beverages off campus. Incidents of intoxication and/or misconduct involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages are subject to College disciplinary action regardless of the location of such incidents. Alcoholic beverage containers, including shot glasses, and bottle caps in the residence halls and in automobiles are in conflict with the College’s policy prohibiting consumption of alcohol on campus. When such containers are found in the residence halls or in the automobile, it will be assumed that the alcohol was consumed on the campus, and the students involved will be charged with possession of alcohol. Physical evidence of any container of an alcoholic beverage (whether empty, full or partially full) will constitute sufficient evidence to find a student (or students) of a room (or suite) or automobile guilty of possession of alcoholic beverages on campus.

Students found guilty of driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages (DUI) are subject to suspension. In the case of formal charges filed by a law enforcement agency, the College is not required to await legal adjudication of the case. If deemed advisable, the College may proceed with a disciplinary hearing on the basis of the evidence available.

Departures from Campus

Students who leave campus overnight or for any extended period of time should inform their Resident Advisor or roommates as to where they may be reached in case of an emergency.

Destruction of Property: Students responsible for destruction of or damage to personal or private property are subject to disciplinary action and will be held financially liable.

Disorderly Conduct

From the time a student applies to the College until the date at which the student’s enrollment is officially terminated, the College reserves the right to take cognizance of any conduct on the part of the student that may disqualify him or her from initial enrollment or from continuing enrollment for successive terms. Once enrolled, students are not only accountable for their conduct on campus during the academic term but also for their conduct off-campus, during vacations and between terms. Accordingly, the violation of any law, statute or ordinance, the violation of any college rules or other conduct that reflects discredit upon the institution is subject to review and appropriate disciplinary action regardless of whether it occurs off-campus, during vacations or between terms.

Disorderly conduct is any action or disruptive behavior, committed on or off campus that may result in a breach of the peace or a disturbance, or adversely affect the College community. Such conduct is a violation of College regulations and constitutes an interference with the standards and purpose of the College. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following: violation of “any” law, statute or ordinance; failure to comply with written or oral instructions given by the College staff and faculty in the performance of their official duties; the forging of a faculty/administrators’ name on any document and indecent or obscene conduct or expression. Any violation of this policy will subject the student to suspension or dismissal from the College.

Emergency Alert System/E2 Campus

As part of Flagler’s ongoing commitment to safety and security, the College has implemented an alert system using speakers located in the towers of Ponce Hall and at the FEC Complex. 

A steady siren indicates a tornado is close or imminent. Shelter should be sought immediately.

When a tornado warning is announced at Flagler College:

• Your residence hall or campus building has no basement, therefore take cover under heavy furniture on the ground floor in the center of the building, an interior hallway or in a small room on the ground floor that is away from outside walls and windows.
• Stay away from windows to avoid flying debris.
• If you are outside and there is’t time to get into a building, take cover and lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch.

An alternating on/off buzzer of short interval indicates other types of severe weather or any emergency situation. It will be followed by announcements indicating the action that should be taken, including, but not limited to “avoid campus,” “stay in the building,” or “seek protection in another area”. Updates will follow the original announcement. Once the emergency has passed, an all clear will be announced.

E2Campus

The College participates in and makes available to all students, staff and faculty E2Campus which provides timely test and E-mail notification of severe weather alerts and other potentially life-saving emergency alert information. Students are strongly urged to sign up for E2Campus via the College web site. 

Exit Doors (Propping)

Propping exit doors is strictly prohibited as it may endanger the lives and property of other students. Accordingly, any student found guilty of this action is subject to suspension and a fine of $100. If identification of the violator cannot be determined, the fine will be assessed to common hall charges. Studio doors may be propped during the day by the Art Instructors or during class times. After 6:00 p.m., all doors must remain completely closed for security reasons.

Fire Drills

Both announced and unannounced fire drills are held regularly. Primary and secondary routes are posted in each room. All students must vacate the buildings immediately when the alarm sounds and will be allowed to return to their rooms after the all-clear signal is heard.

Fire Extinguishers and Alarms

Discharging or tampering with fire extinguishers or causing any type of false alarm is considered a most serious offense. Anyone found guilty of discharging a fire extinguisher or causing a false alarm is subject to suspension or dismissal from the College. In addition, the guilty party will be assessed a fine of $100 plus the cost of refilling the fire extinguisher. The pulling of a fire alarm is illegal and punishable under the law by fines and imprisonment. The College would not have control if the fire department investigates.

Each hall is equipped with several fire extinguishers in accordance with the fire safety laws and they are regularly inspected. Any tampering with fire extinguishers should be reported immediately to the Resident Advisor or Security Officer on duty.

Fire Hazards

The use of hot plates, non-approved refrigerators, microwave ovens, halogen lights and open-coiled appliances are prohibited in the residence halls. Also, the overloading of an electrical outlet will result in disciplinary action.

The College prohibits the burning of candles, lanterns, incense, potpourri, etc., in the residence halls and on the campus grounds. Decorative candles are allowed so long as the wick has never been burned. Any candle that has had the wick burned or incense that has been burned will be a violation. Violators may be dismissed from the residence halls.

Extension cords should not be placed so a door opens over them. Door and hall decorations can be potential fire hazards. Students should use care in the selection and choice of decorations.

Fire and Theft

The College cannot be responsible for losses incurred through theft or fire and will not be responsible for personal effects left on the campus during recesses and vacations.

Stealing property of another student or individual is considered a major violation and is subject to severe disciplinary action. Students are encouraged to keep their rooms locked and valuables stored in a locked safe place. Further, students are urged to establish bank accounts at any of the nearby banking facilities and retain only limited funds in their possession.

Fire Control and Escape Routes

All buildings at Flagler College are equipped with fire escape routes, smoke detectors and sprinkler systems. The fire control system includes an ADT fire detection and warning system, an extensive water sprinkler system; and masonry-encased-with-steel fire escape towers. The ADT system incorporates heat signals and smoke detectors providing simultaneous sound and visual signals of fire at both the College and the ADT operation center. Tampering with the detector and warning system will result in disciplinary action.

The entire system is checked and tested on a monthly basis. Also, regular and routine fire drills are conducted. Escape routes are posted in each room. Placing items on the balconies, such as chairs, sofas or bicycles, is prohibited. Using the railings for the hanging of clothes or towels is also prohibited. College policy prohibits the blockage of any entryway or walkway, especially by bicycles, skateboards and surfboards. A violation will result in a confiscation of the bicycle, skateboard, or surfboard and a fine assessed. 

Firearms, Fireworks, Explosives, Knives and Other Dangerous or Illegal Instruments

The possession or use of firearms, parts of a firearm or weapon, fireworks of any description, explosive devices, or any dangerous weapon is prohibited on College premises or at any College-sponsored function. Dangerous weapons shall include, but not be limited to; firearms of any description, swords, dirks, knives, brass knuckles, blackjacks or any other instrument deemed to be a weapon, (including toy guns and weapons).

Fireworks/explosives and dangerous weapons are prohibited under Florida law. They may not be brought on campus under any circumstances. Violators of this regulation will be subject to suspension or expulsion from Flagler College.

Due to recent changes in Florida law, the College would like to make you aware of the details of Florida’s “bring your gun to work” law as it pertains to Flagler College. (The “Preservation and Protection of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in Motor Vehicles Act of 2008” [§ 790.251, Fla. Stat. (2008)] went into effect July 1, 2008).

Under this law, Florida residents are allowed to keep “lawfully possessed” firearms that are “locked inside or locked to a private motor vehicle” at the workplace. The law recognizes several types of locations that are exempt from this law for safety reasons.

Flagler College is exempt from this law as an educational institution [as defined in § 790.115, Fla. Stat. (2006)]. No students, staff or faculty members (including contract workers, interns, volunteers and guests) are allowed to bring a firearm to the Flagler College campus or keep a firearm locked inside their vehicle in any Flagler-owned or leased parking lot. Please keep in mind, however, that active sworn law enforcement personnel are allowed to carry firearms (concealed or not) at all times.

Hazing

Hazing is strictly prohibited on or off campus. Individuals or groups who interfere with the personal liberty or who abuse the personal dignity of fellow students are subject to severe disciplinary action. Hazing consist of any action taken or situation created (the willingness of an individual to participate notwithstanding) upon which initiation, admission into, or affiliation with an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned and which produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.

Hurricanes

In the event of a hurricane, the College has a disaster plan in place which will be implemented, as soon as necessary. Students both on campus and off campus will receive notice through E 2 Campus notification, through email service, and via the radio station and tower carillon system. In addition, the College radio station will broadcast directions of what is expected. All students should inform College personnel of their intentions and follow the guidelines distributed. For those without transportation, the College will have the ability to transport to local shelters once the shelters have been identified.

Nonprescription and Illegal Drugs

In accordance with Flagler College’s commitment to academic excellence and the belief that the use of mind-altering drugs leads to impaired judgment and reduced achievement, the possession or use of any illegal drug is prohibited. No student may be in possession of, deliver, dispense, distribute, administer, manufacture or wholesale any controlled substance, including marijuana, narcotics, hallucinogens, and other chemical analog or drug-related paraphernalia. Any student who violates this regulation is subject to immediate suspension, dismissal or expulsion from Flagler College.

Photographic Devices

The College does not allow the use of photographic devices within any classroom or testing center. Additionally, in order to use someone’s picture the individual must be aware the picture was taken and give approval for its exhibition. The College reserves the right to use photos for brochures and College publications.

Restricted Areas

For safety purposes, students are not permitted in the following restricted areas: Ponce Hall Towers, fourth-floor solarium area, (and stairs leading to these areas), maintenance compound area, time clock area in Kenan, any construction areas, basement, roof areas, balconies, freight stairs, storage areas, phone closets, cable closets, kitchens, in fire evacuation stairwells. In addition, the service elevator is restricted except during moving in and moving out periods.

Security

Security personnel are on duty 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. The Office of Campus Safety and Security, under the Vice President of Business Services, is responsible for the safety and security of all persons while on campus and of all College property and equipment. The Office of Campus Safety and Security is also responsible for maintaining College regulations and enforcing the law. The Security Office is located in the Rotunda of Ponce de Leon Hall.

Security personnel cooperate and work with the Dean of Student Services in all matters involving students and their guests. Unauthorized persons are not allowed on campus at any time. Additionally, campus Security will be alert to prevent any unauthorized items from being brought on or taken off campus. In order to keep out unauthorized persons, and for the security of resident students, all doors to the outside are locked at specified times. Any accident or incident of theft/vandalism is to be reported immediately to the Office of Campus Safety and Security, and a detailed incident report must be completed.

Skateboards/Roller Skates/Blades

Skateboards and roller skates/blades are strictly prohibited from being used anywhere on the College campus. This includes wearing rollerblades or skates while leaving or entering a college building. The City of St. Augustine, by way of a city ordinance, also prohibits the use of these items on its streets and sidewalks. Riding bicycles on campus is also prohibited.

Smoking Policy

In compliance with the Florida Clean Air Act, smoking and the use of any smokeless tobacco product by employees, students or visitors is prohibited inside any campus building and within fifty feet of the west entrance to Kenan Hall (plaza) and within fifty feet of the entrance to the Proctor Library. This ban includes, but is not limited to, the Dining Hall, classrooms, corridors, restrooms, stairways, entryways, laboratories, workshops, library, conference rooms, private offices, and residence hall rooms. Smoking and the use of any smokeless tobacco product by employees, students or visitors is also prohibited in the north and south breezeways between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm.

A more detailed description of the smoking policy can be found in Public Folders at my.flagler.edu.

Unauthorized Entry

Any student who attempts to enter, or enters, a College facility or any restricted area without proper authorization or identification is subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

Vehicles and Parking Regulations

In order for students to park a vehicle (automobile, motorcycle, moped) in any campus parking facilities, the student must purchase a parking decal. To secure a decal the student must provide the Office of Campus Safety and Security with a receipt of payment, College Identification Card, and vehicle registration. If a replacement is needed, the charge is $50.00. Because parking on campus and off campus is very limited, it is suggested that students arrive early enough for class to look for a legal parking space. Parking regulations will be strictly enforced, and students should be sure to read the agreement they sign when obtaining their decal. Kenan Hall parking lot and some other parking lots have reserved spaces designated “24-hour tow” which are not to be used at any time. Other spaces are designated for use from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. seven days a week; cars parked in these spaces after 7:00 a.m. will be ticketed and are subject to being towed at the owner’s expense. Some additional spaces have been designated Guest Permit Parking Only and are not for student usage. If a student is using a disabled hang tag, proof of disability qualifications must be presented when applying for a parking decal. Illegally parked vehicles will be issued citations on a first offence and immobilized on subsequent violations.

Students are required to comply with state laws governing the operating of all motor vehicles. Motor vehicles not in compliance with College regulations are subject to being towed at the owner’s expense.

Because of the College’s location in St. Augustine, bicycles will provide students with adequate transportation. Racks are provided on campus for bicycles; “U” bolt-type locks are recommended. Bicycles should be registered with Security, giving name, serial number and description. The College is not responsible for bicycles left after the end of each semester. It is strongly recommended that bicycles be stored over the semester break. Bicycles chained / locked to handicapped railings, sign posts, benches, trees, etc. will be impounded and not returned until a fine is paid.

Motorcycles and mopeds must also be registered and need to park in designated motorcycle spaces because of the limited parking on campus for full-sized vehicles.

Violations of Local, State and Federal Laws

The College, upon learning of a student’s arrest, will inquire into the nature of the charge and note any violations of College regulations. These violations may result in disciplinary action. In cases where the safety or welfare of others may be jeopardized, the College may suspend or expel prior to legal adjudication of the charges. In such instances, the case may be referred to the appropriate committee for review and recommendation. However, the student may be summarily suspended pending a hearing.

Visitors

Guests are requested to observe all campus regulations as set forth in this handbook. Flagler students shall be held responsible for any abuse of campus regulations by their guests. Visitors may utilize campus facilities only when escorted by a Flagler student. The College has no on-site visitor parking; all guests must find off-campus parking. Any visitors to the residence halls must be registered with Student Services or Security and receive a pass.

Policies

Address Change

Students are required to keep the Office of the Registrar informed of their current mailing address. Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Campus Communication

A student e-mail account is the official means of communication between the College and the student. Students are required to check their e-mail on a regular basis to ensure they will receive official notices in a timely manner. E-mail accounts tend to fill up quickly, therefore it is important that you daily delete previously read messages and also delete them from the Deleted Items folder; this will prevent incoming messages from being blocked. All official announcements regarding scheduling, billing, scholarships, library notices, emergency information, upcoming deadlines and other important information will be disseminated to students via their e-mail accounts.

Please pay particular attention to any e-mail with the following subject lines:

• Emergency - safety and well being of students maybe at risk
• Urgent - safety and well being of students maybe at risk at present time or in the near future
• Official - message related to official college business such as a meeting with a college administrator or registration for classes

Computer Use Policy

Flagler College expects all members of its community to use computing facilities and electronic communications in a responsible and lawful manner. Campus policies set standards of behavior to foster a safe and productive learning and living environment. These standards apply to all faculty, students, staff, and College organizations, and they apply equally to computer usage. Moreover, they are consistent with the mission, goals and policies of Flagler College, as set forth in the College Policy Manual, Faculty Handbook, College Catalog, and Student Handbook.
In response to complaints presenting evidence of violation of any College policies or state or federal laws, the College may restrict the use of its computers and systems. Further disciplinary action may be taken, if deemed necessary. Specifically, Flagler College:

• Reserves the right to limit access to its networks when applicable policies, contractual obligations, or state or federal laws are violated.
• Reserves the right to remove material and/or software on College-owned computers when policies, contractual obligations, or state or federal laws are violated, or such postings are deemed inappropriate.
• Does not make a practice of inspecting electronic files and user activity on the Flagler network (including Internet usage), however, reserves the right to do so. Users should be aware that state and federal laws do not protect the privacy of electronic communications.

Access to network-based services implies some risk. The Internet is a global entity with users of diverse cultures, values, and sensitivities. Flagler College cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of materials that may be offensive to them.

Computer facilities and network-based services are intended to enhance or supplement existing resources and sources of information for academic research or reference, for other educational purposes, for administrative work, and for College-related communications. Individuals with authorized accounts or permission from College officials may use computer facilities for personal purposes, so long as such use does not violate any law or College policy, does not involve significant use of College resources, and does not substantially interfere with the performance of College employees conducting their duties and work. The College reserves the right to prohibit some or all use of College-owned computers for personal use at its sole discretion.

Violations causing harm to the activities of others

• Sharing of accounts or passwords, or using or attempting to use another person’s password or account, regardless of how it was obtained.
• Propagating electronic chain mail.
• Launching or knowingly propagating a computer worm, computer virus, or other malware.
• Electronic eavesdropping.
• Knowingly interfering with electronic communication in any way.
• Forging, fraudulently altering, or willfully falsifying electronic information.
• Using electronic communications in any manner inconsistent with College policies regarding academic integrity and honesty, e.g., to steal another person’s work or misrepresent one’s own work; to collude on examinations, papers, or any other academic work; or to fabricate research data.
• Any attempt to circumvent system security or any attempt to gain unauthorized access to local or network resources.
• Obstructing, tampering with, or attempting to tamper with the operation of computer hardware or software, to include changing or attempting to change existing configurations without the express consent of the Office of Technology Services.
• Use of College resources for illegal, commercial, or unauthorized profit-making purposes, including, but not limited to: unauthorized use of e-mail to solicit sales, post advertising or conduct business; setting up an unauthorized web page to advertise or sell a service; or posting an unauthorized advertisement to a user group.
• Attaching equipment to the College network without prior knowledge and approval of the Office of Technology Services department.

Violations targeted to specific individuals and/or classes of individuals

• Sending repeated and unwanted (harassing) electronic communication.
• Threatening, harassing, or otherwise causing harm to a specific individual(s) or to classes of individuals, whether by direct or indirect reference.
• Sending repeated or unwanted communication; posting hate speech that is motivated by race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation; or sending such communication that is sexual in nature.
• Posting or otherwise disseminating personal or sensitive information about an individual. Examples include an individual’s academic record, medical information, or similar information of a confidential nature, other than directory information, as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws 

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority constitutes an infringement.

Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For "willful" infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and attorneys' fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.

For more information, please see the Web site of the U.S. Copyright Office, especially their FAQ's at.

Violations of Law

Any activity that is illegal is a violation of Flagler College policy. Alleged violations will be dealt with according to standard disciplinary measures. For a list of legal violations for computing use, please see our full policy in the Flagler College Policy Manual located in the Reference section of the Proctor Library or online at my.flagler.edu under Public Folders. If you believe that a violation of this policy has occurred, contact the Technology Services staff or a reference librarian. The College reserves the right to periodically update this policy.

Disrespect

Flagler College students are expected to be courteous, polite and respectful toward faculty, staff, administration, resident advisors, guests and other students. When a student is reported for being disrespectful, rude or discourteous, severe disciplinary action may be initiated.

Distribution of Products or Publications

Unauthorized distribution of products, flyers, posters, sample materials, gratis or by reduced cost, is prohibited on campus. The distribution of material approved by the Office of Student Services will be allowed, provided steps have been taken to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the campus. All chalk drawings or notifications need prior approval.

Nonofficial or off-campus printed material shall not be distributed or circulated without first being identified and approved by the Office of Student Services. Further, the distribution of material or circulation of petitions to captive audiences, such as in the classroom, at registration, in study areas or in residential units, will not be permitted.

Expending Club Monies

All campus clubs must handle their expenses through the Office of Business Services. Each organization should develop an agency account, which contains the club’s monies generated through dues, activities, sales, etc. All fundraisers outside the College must receive prior approval from the Office of Development. These agency funds are carried over from year to year and are used to pay club expenses and activities. Monetary requests (checks, refunds, payments) are secured through the use of a requisition form. These forms may be obtained in the Office of Student Services. Completed forms should be submitted to the Office of Business Services at least seven days in advance. All club requisitions must be signed by the club advisor. Refunds will not be granted without receipts. It should be noted that club monies may not be spent on alcohol, nor may clubs have bank accounts outside the College.

Faculty-Student Relationships

Faculty relationships with students shall be based upon the highest and professional principles and shall contribute to the general well-being of the students and the institution. Actions that impair the professional relationship between a faculty member and a student are detrimental to the entire College.

Appropriate friendships and associations are encouraged. The maintenance of appropriate and necessary professional relationships, however, must take precedence over social relationships and must be preserved, if necessary, by curtailing actions that would impair the standards and objectives of the College.

Falsification of Records

A student who has withheld or has given false information on his or her application for admission or readmission is subject to suspension or expulsion.

Fan Behavior

Flagler College encourages good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches and spectators, and expects all individuals to cooperate by supporting the participants and the officials in a positive manner.

The use of obscene gestures, profanity, as well as racist, sexist, or unduly provocative language or actions, intimidating action or actions not of the highest standards toward officials, opponents or spectators will not be tolerated and will be grounds for removal from all athletic facilities. In addition, currently enrolled students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Specific violations of this policy shall include, but are not limited to, the following behavior or acts

• Striking or physically abusing an official, an opposing coach, a player, or a spectator;
• Intentionally inciting participants or a spectator to violent or abusive action;
• Using profane or vulgar language, vulgarity, taunting or ridiculing, or making obscene gestures;
• Entering the competition area with the intent of unsportsmanlike behavior or conduct;
• Being in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Harassment

In compliance with federal regulations, the College prohibits any and all forms of harassment based on personal attributes: age, gender, race, color, national origin, creed or disability. The College also prohibits the practice of hazing. The College will act promptly to investigate all written complaints of harassment because of age, gender, race, national origin, creed or disability, or hazing; to take appropriate action to protect individuals from further harassment; and, if it is determined that unlawful harassment occurred, to appropriately discipline any student who is found to have violated this policy, and/or to take other appropriate action reasonably calculated to end the harassment. Harassment consist of verbal or physical conduct relating to an individual’s ethnicity or country of origin or the country of origin of the individual’s parents, family members or ancestors, individual’s age, gender or creed, or an individual’s physical or mental impairment. Hazing consists of any action taken or situation created (the willingness of an individual to participate notwithstanding) upon which initiation, admission into, or affiliation with an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned and which produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.

Holidays and Vacations

Students should consult the online College calendar for holiday schedules. The residence halls are closed for the Christmas Holidays.

No overnight guests are permitted in the residence halls during spring and Thanksgiving breaks or the first or last week of each semester.

Notice Concerning Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Violations

This notice is required to be sent to all enrolled students per the Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315) (HEOA) enacted on August 14, 2008, and reauthorizes the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). This legislation, specifically Section 484(r), sets forth the rules governing the consequences upon a student’s Federal Financial Aid eligibility if convicted under any Federal or State Law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance.

A “controlled substance” is defined in Section 102(6) of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 802(6)) as follows: The term "controlled substance" means a drug or other substance, or immediate precursor, included in schedule I, II, III, IV, or V of part B of this subchapter. The term does not include distilled spirits, wine, malt beverages, or tobacco, as those terms are defined or used in subtitle E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Please review the Controlled Substance Act.

Section 484(r) Suspension of Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses

(1) In General - A student who has been convicted of any offense under any Federal or State law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance shall not be eligible to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance under this title during the period beginning on the date of such conviction and ending after the interval specified in the following table:

If convicted of an offense involving:

The possession of a controlled substance:

• First Offense results in 1 year of financial aid ineligibility.
• Second Offense results in 2 years of financial aid ineligibility.
• Third Offense results in an indefinite suspension of financial aid.

The Sale of a Controlled Substance

• First Offense results in 1 year of financial aid ineligibility.
• Second Offense results in an indefinite suspension of financial aid.

(2) Rehabilitation - A student whose eligibility has been suspended under paragraph (1) may resume eligibility before the end of the ineligibility period determined under such paragraph if:

• The student satisfactorily completes a drug rehabilitation program that complies with such criteria as the Secretary shall prescribe in regulations for purposes of this paragraph and includes two unannounced drug tests; or
• The conviction is reversed, set aside, or otherwise rendered nugatory.

(3) Definitions - In this subsection, the term `controlled substance' has the meaning given the term in section 102(6) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(6)).

(4) Effective Date - The amendment made by paragraph (1), regarding suspension of eligibility for drug-related offenses, shall apply with respect to financial assistance to cover the costs of attendance for periods of enrollment beginning after the date of enactment.

Off-Campus Activities

All student clubs or organizations need to be aware of College policy regarding off-campus activities sponsored by an official club or organization. Each organization is responsible for student conduct or behavior at sponsored off-campus events. Disorderly conduct is any disruptive behavior that adversely affects the College community or interferes with the purposes and aims of the institution. Students violating this regulation are subject to dismissal or suspension from the College. Student organizations not exercising the proper degree of judgment and supervision may be subject to loss of charter.

Privacy of Student Records

The College enforces the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. This regulation, as it applies to institutions of higher learning, ensures that students have access to certain records that pertain to them. It prohibits others, except faculty members or administrators who have “a need to know” and parents who claim their student as a dependent for tax purposes, from access to the student’s records, unless the student signs a waiver. This waiver, the "Release of Student Information Request" form, may also be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. The "Release of Student Information" form is specific to each Academic Year (Fall Semester thru Summer Term) and must be signed and submitted by the student for each Academic Year. 

In accordance with the FERPA, Flagler College affords students certain rights with respect to their student records. They are:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days from the College receiving the request for access.

Students should submit to the Registrar, the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Student Services, the Director of Business Services, the Director of Financial Aid, the head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect and purpose(s) for inspection. If the College official to whom the request was submitted does not maintain the records, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed. The appropriate College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. A "Request to Review Student Education Record" form is available in and must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

• The right to request the amendment of the student’s educational records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official may be considered a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including campus safety and security personnel and health services staff); contractors, consultants, volunteers or other parties; a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest, if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The name and address of that office is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.
Flagler College complies with the Student Right to Know Act.

Readmitted Students

Students previously enrolled at Flagler College having withdrawn or “stopping out” a semester or longer must petition the Office of the Registrar. Current part-time students who wish to return as full-time students must notify the Office of the Registrar in writing.

Refund Policy

A student who pays the charges for a term but does not begin attending classes and subsequently withdraws may be entitled to a refund of some or all charges paid for that term. Any and all potential refunds or account balance adjustment calculations will be based on the date that written notification is received from the student in the Office of Business Services. For a student who voluntarily withdraws or is administratively withdrawn, the last day the student attended a class or classes will be the determining factor.

All students are required to check-in at the beginning of each semester. This check-in process is physical verification that a student is on campus at Flagler College. Any student who fails to complete the check-in process, risks not having their financial aid posted to their account which could result in the student having a balance due to the college; this will directly affect any refund due to the student. Refunds for students who have not completed the check-in process will be significantly delayed until the student completes the check-in process. A late fee will be assessed to a student who does not complete the check-in process.

The refund policy is presented in detail on the Business Services Web page and in the College Catalog.

Advance Deposit

Every boarding student with a signed housing contract on file is required to submit an advance payment as a confirmation of his or her intention to attend Flagler College during the next academic year. These payments are non-refundable. They are applied to the student’s tuition and fees for the fall semester.

The College has limited housing for returning students. Housing for returning students is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, returning students who wish to live on campus are advised to submit the required housing contract and advance payments as early as possible.

• Fall Semester Tuition Due - August 1st
• Spring Semester Tuition Due - December 1st

Check-In

All students must complete the check-in process at the beginning of each semester prior to the start of classes. Financial Aid will not be applied until the Office of Business Services has confirmed that the student has checked in, is on campus and attending classes. This may cause a delay in any refund you may be due.

Sexual Harassment

The College is committed to maintaining a working environment free of objectionable and disrespectful conduct. The policy of Flagler College is that its employees and students neither commit, nor condone sexual harassment in any form. The prohibition applies equally to male and female staff, faculty and students, and to all other persons on campus subject to College control.

In accordance with the EEOC definition, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment status;
2. submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for an employment or educational decision affecting any member or guest of the college community;
3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or educational performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

All such conduct will not be tolerated, and violations may result in the termination of an employee or the expulsion of a student. Complaints involving charges of sexual harassment may be brought to the attention of any administrative or academic officer. Among those with whom complaints may be filed are: the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, the Assistant to the President, the Dean of Student Services, the Vice President of Business Services, the Registrar, the College Counselor, the College Physician, the College Nurse, or any academic department chair.

In the event that any member of the College community has knowledge of unreported cases of sexual harassment, it is the responsibility of that individual to bring the matter to the attention of an appropriate administrative or academic officer. The administrative or academic officer who receives a sexual harassment complaint shall refer it immediately to the Assistant to the President, and the complaint shall be processed in accordance with the procedures applicable to the party accused.

The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and the accused, will be respected insofar as it does not interfere with the College’s legal obligation or ability to investigate the allegations and to take appropriate action.

Student Complaints

Students who wish to file a formal complaint must do so in writing. A written student complaint should be addressed to the appropriate member of the President's Cabinet. The complaint will be acknowledged within five days with a copy to the Assistant to the President. The Administrator shall subsequently send a memorandum outlining the action taken to address the complaint. The Assistant to the President shall be responsible for receiving and logging student complaints and for ensuring that complaints are properly processed. If the student is not satisfied with the action taken or with the proposed resolution, he or she may appeal the matter to the President; however, such appeal must be based upon evidence of the neglect or violation of College policies or procedures by a member of the staff or faculty. The President may elect to meet with the student and with the person(s) to whom the complaint is directed; however, the President’s decision is final.

Withdrawal from the College

A student who finds it necessary to withdraw from the College must complete an official withdrawal form which can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar located on the second floor of Wiley Hall. The withdrawal form requires the student to obtain clearance signatures from Academic Advising and Retention, Financial Aid, Business Services, Registrar, Student Services and the Library.

When a student leaves the College without following the proper procedures, his or her permanent record is marked as an “unofficial withdrawal.” Students who do not adhere to the prescribed procedure for withdrawing are subject to failing grades in all courses. Before leaving, students must return all keys to the Office of Student Services, the Director of Residence Life, or Office of Campus Safety and Security.

Disciplinary Procedures

Disciplinary Procedures

The College strives to maintain high standards of personal conduct and ethics. These standards are expressed in rules, regulations and policies which the College has adopted to maintain order on campus, to promote student safety and welfare, to foster civility and respect among constituents, and to further the College’s purpose, goals, and values. In some instances, the rules, regulations, and policies may limit certain activities and proscribe behavior that is detrimental to the orderly operation of the institution and to the pursuit of its goals. All students are charged with knowledge of these rules as stated in the Catalog and in the Student Handbook and are required to comply with them.

Under the College’s disciplinary procedures the student’s rights are not as extensive as those of a defendant in a criminal prosecution in a court of law. Moreover, the disciplinary procedures at Flagler may differ somewhat from those at colleges and universities, especially with respect to a student’s due process rights in disciplinary proceedings at public institutions. The College’s disciplinary procedures are intended to provide an expeditious, administratively practical but fundamentally fair process for resolving contested disciplinary cases in the context of a private, traditional institution of higher education, where the institutional interest in upholding high standards of conduct, maintaining order on campus and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the student body must be balanced against ensuring the rights of the accused. By enrolling at Flagler, students accept the College disciplinary process as fundamentally fair and agree to abide by its disciplinary policies and procedures, as stated in the Student Handbook and as they may be amended from time to time.

Review and Referral

Disciplinary complaints are reviewed by the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services for appropriate disposition. If there is a possibility that a student may be suspended, dismissed or expelled from the College, the case is deemed to involve a major infraction. In such cases, the student is given a choice between an administrative hearing conducted by the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services or a hearing conducted by the College Disciplinary Committee. The Associate/Assistant Dean may refer less serious complaints to the Student Judiciary Council or dispose of them without formal proceedings by issuing a verbal warning or written reprimand.

Administrative Disposition

If the student who is charged with a major violation does not contest the charge, the student may elect to have an administrative hearing conducted by the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services. In choosing this option, the student waives his/her right to contest the charges at a disciplinary hearing and forfeits other rights afforded in the hearing process. The Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services takes such disciplinary action as may be appropriate. The Associate/Assistant Dean’s decision is not subject to appeal.

The hearing procedures outlined below do not apply when a student does not contest the charges and agrees to have an administrative hearing conducted by the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services.

College Disciplinary Committee

The College Disciplinary Committee reviews cases involving major violations of College rules and regulations (e.g., those involving the possibility of suspension, dismissal, or expulsion), determines the guilt or innocence of the accused, and makes recommendations regarding the disciplinary actions that should be taken by the College. The Committee reports its findings and recommendations to the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services for his/her review and consideration.

The College Disciplinary Committee shall consist of five individuals: two staff members appointed by the President, two faculty members appointed by the Dean of Academic Affairs (upon the recommendation of the Faculty Senate), and one student appointed by the Dean of Student Services.

In general, cases involving the possibility of suspension, dismissal or expulsion are referred to the College Disciplinary Committee for hearing. However, the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services will conduct a hearing when cases occur during the summer session, or during the vacations or breaks between terms. For purpose of this provision, a case is deemed to be initiated when the Office of Student Services gives the student formal written notice of the charges.

College Continuation Committee

Matters referred to the College Continuation Committee may be of an academic or disciplinary nature and also may involve behavioral, social or emotional problems, which call into question the student’s continuing enrollment at Flagler.

In these instances, the Dean of Student Services, in consultation with the Dean of Academic Affairs, shall appoint an ad hoc College Continuation Committee to hear the case and to recommend appropriate action. The ad hoc committee may recommend to the Dean of Student Services such action as probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, voluntary withdrawal, or other stipulations. The Dean’s decision is not subject to appeal.

Disciplinary Hearing Procedures

Under the foregoing guidelines, the College Disciplinary Committee, the College Continuation Committee, the Dean of Student Services, and the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services all have occasion to conduct disciplinary hearings in contested cases which may result in a student being suspended, dismissed, or expelled from the College.

• The College endeavors to follow its procedures in contested disciplinary cases. It should be understood, however, that the procedures for disciplinary hearings are not intended to mirror the procedures found in a court of law. Representation by counsel, confrontation and cross-examination of witnesses, discovery and appeals beyond the Dean of Student Services are not allowed. The focus of disciplinary hearings is not on process and or procedure; rather, hearings are conducted to determine whether or not a student has committed a serious violation of the rules of conduct.

The basic procedures in such cases are as follows:

1. The student is given written notice of the charges. The written notification shall include (1)the nature of the hearing and the hearing body, (2)the specific charges of complaint, and (3) the date, time and place of hearing.
2. During the hearing the accused student has the opportunity to respond to the charges and to present evidence and witnesses on his or her behalf. However, evidence may be rejected if it is deemed immaterial, cumulative or otherwise unworthy of consideration.
3. In hearings conducted by the College Disciplinary Committee, the Committee makes a recommendation as to the guilt or innocence of the student and, if appropriate, as to what disciplinary action should be taken. The Committee reports its findings and recommendation(s) to the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services. After due consideration of the Committee’s findings, the Associate/Assistant Dean shall determine guilt or innocence and, if appropriate, shall take disciplinary action.
4. In hearings conducted by the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services, the Associate/Assistant Dean investigates the matter, listens to the accused, considers the evidence presented, and makes a decision about the guilt or innocence of the accused.
5. In hearings before the College Continuation Committee, the Committee makes recommendations on the advisability of allowing the student to remain enrolled at the College. The Committee may make other recommendations, as may be appropriate, including guilt or innocence and disciplinary action where infractions of rules, regulations, or requirements are involved.
   If the matter is academic in nature (e.g., failure to attend class, incivility toward the instructor or students in class, disruptive behavior in class, etc.), the Committee shall report its findings and recommendation(s) to the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. If the matter is non-academic in nature (e.g., social, behavioral, emotional, psychological, etc.), the Committee shall report its findings and recommendation(s) to the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services.
   After due consideration of the College Continuation Committee’s findings and recommendations, the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs shall determine guilt or innocence and, if appropriate, shall take disciplinary action. The Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs shall notify the student in writing of the disposition of the charges and any disciplinary action. Appeals of the decision(s) rendered upon the recommendation(s) of the College Continuation Committee will be handled by the Dean of Academic Affairs or the Dean of Student Services respectively.
6. The Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services shall notify the student in writing of the disposition of the charges and any disciplinary action.
7. The student has the right to appeal any adverse decision to the Dean of Student Services. Such appeals must be in writing and submitted 48 hours after the notice of disposition is delivered to the student. The Dean of Student Services will conduct his/her own investigation into the matter, will confer with the Associate/Assistant Dean, and will meet with the accused student. After considering the evidence, the Dean of Student Services will make a decision on the appeal. The Dean may uphold the decision of the Committee and the Associate/Assistant Dean, may modify the decision of the Committee and the Associate/Assistant Dean, or may approve the student’s appeal. The decision of the Dean of Student Services is final.
   All hearings are closed to the public. The content of all hearings is kept confidential by Committee members, administrators, and staff. The names of those involved will not be made public. The results of the hearings may be published in the College newspaper by case number designation only, without the disclosure of personal identity.
   The College reserves the right to modify the foregoing procedures in response to the exigencies and circumstances of a particular case.
8. The college will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of any crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the college against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense with respect to such crime or offense. If the alleged victim of such crime or offense is deceased as a result of such crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim for purposes of this paragraph.
   The term "crime of violence" means an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or any other offense that is a felony and that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense.
   The final results of any disciplinary proceeding (1)shall include only the names of the student, the violation committed, and any sanction imposed by the institution on that student and(2) may include the name of any other student (such as victim or witness) only with the written consent of that other student.
9. Flagler College reserves the right to summarily suspend a student prior to hearing when such action is deemed necessary. The student must leave campus as instructed. The student will be notified of the hearing date.
10. The College reserves the right to modify the foregoing procedures in response to the exigencies and circumstances of a particular case.

The College endeavors to follow the foregoing procedures in contested disciplinary cases. However, it should be understood that it is not intended that College disciplinary boards and officials adhere to the procedures of a court of law. Representation by counsel, confrontation and cross-examination of witnesses, discovery and appeals beyond the Dean of Student Services are not allowed. The focus is not process and procedure, but rather whether or not the student has committed a serious violation of the rules of conduct. Accordingly, it is unlikely that a disciplinary decision will be reversed on appeal by the Dean of Student Services because of procedural technicalities unless it appears they resulted in the student being found guilty of an offense he or she did not commit.

Summary Suspension

Flagler College reserves the right to summarily suspend a student prior to a hearing when such action is deemed necessary. The student must leave campus, as directed. The student will be notified of the hearing date.

Types of Disciplinary Action

There are five general types of disciplinary action which may be imposed by the College: reprimands, probation, suspension, dismissal, and expulsion. Each type of disciplinary action is explained below.

Reprimands

Reprimands may be issued by the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services notifying a student or students of possible misconduct or violation of College rules or regulations. Reprimands may be issued verbally; however, a written record of reprimands shall be placed in the student’s file in the Office of Student Services and may be included in any subsequent proceedings of related or unrelated offenses.

Probation

There are two types of probations — General and Restrictive. Probation usually involves constructive guidelines intended to motivate the student to comply with College regulations and to promote both academic success and social adjustment.

• General Disciplinary Probation: When a violation requires more than a letter of reprimand the student will be placed on General Disciplinary Probation.
• Restrictive Disciplinary Probation: Restrictive Disciplinary Probation results in the loss of good standing and is placed in the Student Confidential file in the Office of Student Services. Restrictive Disciplinary Probation may include, but is not limited to, residence hall restrictions, campus restrictions, activity restrictions, and club/organization restrictions. Restrictions are in effect for the stated probationary period.

Suspensions

A student involved in a serious violation of College rules or regulations or in repeated incidents of misconduct may be suspended. The length of the suspension period will be clearly defined and may extend from the remaining days in a semester to a number of semesters. A suspended student is prohibited from being on the College campus except by scheduled appointment for official business. After the suspension period is completed, the student will be allowed to resume his/her enrollment at the College. Depending on the circumstances, the student may or may not be placed on probation. Suspension will become a part of the student’s permanent record until the time of the suspension is completed at which point it will be removed from the record.

Dismissal

In instances wherein the College does not wish to specify a definite period of suspension, the term “dismissal” rather than “suspension” will be applied. A dismissal entails the possibility of appeal and readmission to the College under appropriate circumstances at a later date. A review of the student’s records will be undertaken before re-enrollment is approved. “Dismissal” will become a part of the student’s permanent record.

Expulsion

When a violation is so severe that the College will not allow the student to remain enrolled or be readmitted, the student will be expelled. When a student has been expelled from the College for disciplinary or academic reasons, a full report will be placed in the student’s file and become part of the student’s permanent record.

Finality

Flagler College grants students the privilege of attending the institution on the condition that they accept and abide by its rules, regulations, policies and procedures. It is the policy and practice of the College to internally resolve all disciplinary cases involving violations of rules and regulations. As stated previously, in contested cases involving major infractions, a student has the right to appeal adverse decisions (e.g., suspension, dismissal, or expulsion) to the Dean of Student Services. The decision of the Dean of Student Services on those appeals is final, conclusive and binding. A disciplinary decision is not subject to any other appeal, judicial review or collateral attack in court. By accepting the privilege of attending Flagler, students agree to abide by all rules and regulations and agree to accept disciplinary decisions against them, subject only to the prescribed appeal to the Dean of Student Services. Students waive any right to redress in court and agree and covenant not to sue the College on account of disciplinary action.

Financial Refund

In all cases involving withdrawal, suspension, dismissal or expulsion, no financial refunds will be made by the College, and the student’s account is due and payable.

Student Judiciary Council

The Student Judiciary Council consists of seven members and two alternates. All council members are selected through an application and interview process and chosen on the basis of their academic performance, maturity, and ability to perform their duties in a fair and objective manner.

The Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services is responsible for assigning cases to the Student Judiciary Council. As a rule, all initial violations that are not likely to result in suspension, dismissal or expulsion are referred to the Council. If in the course of a hearing, evidence should be presented which indicates a violation of a more serious nature than was initially reported, the Council will suspend the hearing until such time as the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services may determine whether the case should be referred to another committee.

A student has the right to present evidence on his or her own behalf and to present witnesses with testimony relevant to the case in question. Notification of the appearance of witnesses must be submitted to the Pre-Hearing Interviewer 24 hours before the scheduled hearing. An informal deposition may be presented at the hearing if a witness is unable to appear.

In order for there to be a quorum, at least five members must be present, alternates included.

Student Judiciary Council hearings are held on a designated day each week. Students appearing before the Council are required to dress appropriately; men wearing dress pants and shirt (tie is optional) with dress shoes; and women wearing a dress, skirt or pants with a blouse and dress shoes.

Penalties

A student pleading guilty to a charge waives his or her right to a full hearing, and the penalty will be imposed by the Student Judiciary Council. A student found guilty of a violation of College rules or regulations is subject to penalties commensurate with the offense, which may include one or more of the following:

• Written reprimand
• General Disciplinary Probation
• Restrictive Disciplinary Probation
• Residence hall dismissal
• Payment of damages
• Assessment of fines
• On-Campus service
• Counseling referrals
• Recommendation for activity suspension

The Student Judiciary Council may refer a student disciplinary case to the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services for an Administrative Hearing or a College Disciplinary Hearing.

Appeals

Upon receipt of written notification of the Council’s verdict, the student may appeal. An Appeal Request Form can be obtained from the Office of Student Services and must be completed and returned to the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services within 24 hours. Appeals can be made on one or more of the following grounds:

• The Council committed a procedural error during the hearing;
• The rights of the student were violated;
• Additional evidence or information not available at the time of the hearing.

The Dean of Student Services will evaluate and make final judgment on all Council hearing appeals.

2011 - 2012 Student Judiciary Council

Chairperson
Colby Keefe

Vice Chairperson
Lindsey Pettit

Council Clerk
Emily Morris

Pre-Hearing Interviewer
Kyrsten Catlin

Disciplinary Counselor
Je'Leah Wiggins

Disciplinary Counselor
Evan Gardiner

Disciplinary Counselor
Brent Hayes

Alternate
James Stiller

Alternate
Victoria Rosati

Membership

The Student Judiciary Council is comprised of a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, a Council Clerk, a Pre-Hearing Interviewer, and Disciplinary Counselors. Three alternates serve as Recording Secretaries and further assist the Council as needed. Alternates must attend all Council sessions but do not have voting privileges.

Candidates for the Judiciary Council must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above, be a full-time student, and not be serving on the Executive Board or Leadership Team of the Student Government Association or employed as a Resident Advisor. Selections to the Student Judiciary Council are made during the spring semester; all members serve for one academic year. Current Council members have the privilege of requesting reappointment; any council member with the desire to be reappointed must have the approval of the Associate/Assistant Dean of Student Services.

Academic Policies

Consent to Academic Policies, Regulations and Procedures

Students are responsible to know and abide by all academic policies, regulations and procedures as set forth in the Catalog and the Student Handbook. Students are also expected to be aware of specific course requirements, as set forth in the course syllabus distributed at the beginning of each term. Inasmuch as important information is periodically distributed by campus mail, including communications from the faculty and administrators, students are required to check their Flagler College e-mail regularly and to respond to written requests in a timely manner.

Academic Advisement

A significant aspect of Flagler College’s strength rests on the conviction that advisement is as crucial to education as the classroom experience. These two phases of the total educational program are regarded as the fundamental responsibilities of the faculty. Academic advisement is a continuous rather than periodic process, and students are encouraged to visit regularly with their advisors. All students are assigned to an advisor, who is a full-time faculty member. The student’s faculty advisor will provide assistance in planning a program of study; however, it is the student’s responsibility to plan and carry out a program of study in accordance with departmental requirements. For additional information on degree requirements, see the College Catalog.

Office of Academic Advising and Retention

Flagler College has an Office of Academic Advising and Retention located on the second floor of the Ringhaver Student Center within the Office of Career Services. This is where students may go if they want to change a major, have academic related questions, need assistance with areas found in the College’s Learning Resource Center, or to address any concerns they may have about the college.

Continuing Students

A continuing student, sometimes referred to as a returning student, is a full-time student who was enrolled full-time during the previous semester.

Part-Time Students

The programs and activities of Flagler College are planned to meet the needs and interest of full-time students. A limited number of students, however, may be allowed to matriculate on a part-time basis (less than 12 hours), provided that space in the desired course(s) is available. All part-time students must apply for admission and be formally accepted prior to registering for classes. Part-time students are not eligible for medical and health services, and are not allowed to participate in College-sponsored student activities. While part-time students may be eligible for certain types of federal financial aid programs, they are not eligible for State of Florida or institutional financial aid programs. Full-time students who wish to change to part-time enrollment must complete a “Withdrawal to Part-Time Status” form and must notify the Office of the Registrar when returning to full-time status.

Transfer Credits from Another Institution

Applicants transferring from another institution must be in good standing and must be eligible to return to the college or university previously attended. Transfer applicants from four-year institutions may receive a maximum of 75 semester hours of credit awarded. Recipients of the Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree are generally admitted at the junior level; however, applicants who transfer from community/junior colleges will be allowed no more than 64 semester hours of credit toward the completion of degree requirements at Flagler.

Transfer credits will be granted for courses in which a grade of “C” (2.0) or better was earned. Grades are not transferable; hence, quality points earned for transfer credits are not used in computing a student’s grade point average at Flagler.

Students who have successfully completed the requirements for an A.A. Degree may transfer up to three courses in which a “D” grade was earned, provided the total number of transfer credits does not exceed 64 semester hours.

The amount of transfer credit and advanced standing allowed by the College will be determined by the Registrar. In some instances, the Office of Academic Affairs and/or department chairs are consulted prior to awarding transfer credit. Transfer students are responsible for submitting all official transcripts, CLEP or Advanced Placement test scores, and for confirming their level of advanced standing prior to registering for classes at Flagler.

Transient Transfer Credits from Another Institution

Flagler students who wish to take courses at another institution during the summer must complete the Application for Transient Study. Additionally, students must receive approval from their Faculty Advisor, the Department Chair of the course, and the Office of the Registrar, before enrolling as a transient student at another college or university. Application forms are available in the Office of the Registrar. Students who fail to receive prior approval before enrolling at another institution will be denied transfer credit.

Flagler College limits the number of hours a student may earn during the summer at another college or university after that student has enrolled at Flagler. Students may earn up to nine semester hours of credit from another institution. Seniors must complete their final 30 semester hours of credit at Flagler College, except for those students participating in a Study Abroad or Study Away Program. Students may not earn credit for courses taken at a two-year college after they have earned 60 or more semester hours.

Schedule Changes

Subject to the approval of the Academic Advisor, courses may be added during the first week of each semester. Courses may be dropped through the first week of each semester without grade. After this time, a student may drop a course prior to the last four weeks of a semester and receive a grade of W. However, this policy does not apply to students enrolled in ENG 152, ENG 172, and the Mathematics general education courses or remedial courses. Any student withdrawn from any of these courses will receive a “WF” and must retake the course. A student who is withdrawn from a course during the last 4 weeks of the semester will receive a grade of WF, regardless of whether the withdrawal is student or faculty initiated.

Class Attendance

The nature of the educational process at Flagler College, with emphasis on classroom teaching, seminars and special projects, presumes a continuous close working relationship between teacher and student. Accordingly, class attendance is deemed essential to the educational process. Regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students, and the responsibility for class attendance rests with the individual student. The student is expected to carry out all assigned work and to take all examinations as specified by the instructor. Failure to carry out assignments or to take examinations at designated times may result in a lower grade for the course. The student, therefore, must accept the consequences of not attending class.

Students are responsible for making arrangements with their instructor(s) to make up missed assignments, class projects, or exams. Whenever possible, students should inform their instructor(s) in advance of a College-related activity that will cause them to be absent from their class(es).

Students with excessive absences will be dropped from a course. Excessive absence is defined as failing to attend 80% of the scheduled class meetings. A student who is absent, for any reason, excused or unexcused, more than 20% of the scheduled class meetings for the academic semester will not receive credit for the course. For example, in the fall and spring semesters, a student may miss no more than eight Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes or five Tuesday/Thursday classes and still receive credit for the course. For a class that meets once a week, a student can have no more then two absences and receive credit for the class. In the summer term, a student may miss no more than four classes and receive credit for the course. A student who has excessive absences will be assigned a grade of W or WF, depending upon the date at the time the 20% limit is exceeded. Individual instructors and departments may establish more stringent attendance requirements for their courses. A student who is withdrawn from a course by the instructor due to excessive absences during the last four weeks of the semester will receive a grade of WF.

Specific attendance policies are determined by the individual instructor and are stated in the course syllabus, making clear the instructor’s expectations regarding class attendance. Students are advised that unexcused absences should be used for reasons such as travel difficulties, bad weather, conflicting schedules, minor sickness, doctor or dentist appointments, job interviews, or oversleeping. Attendance requirements for internships are determined in advance by the College coordinator of the internship and are communicated in writing to the student intern.

Excused absences, with permission to make up missed assignments or exams, will be granted for the following reasons:

• Admission to a hospital (verified by the College Nurse or the Dean of Student Services or Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs).
• Serious illness/sickness (verified by the College Nurse or the Dean of Student Services or Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs)
• Serious emotional illness (verified by the Director of Counseling, by the College Nurse, the Dean of Student Services or Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs)
• Participation in approved academic events (verified by the Advisor or Sponsor of the club or organization, the Academic Department Chair, or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs)
• Participation in a scheduled intercollegiate athletic contest away from the campus (verified by the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics)
• Death of a family member or hospitalization of an immediate family member (verified by the Dean of Student Services or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs)
• Very unusual circumstances as determined by the instructor or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs or the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Students requesting excused absences must make their request within two weeks of their returning to class.

Some instructors reserve the right to drop a student from a course automatically if the student does not attend the first class meeting. This action is taken to allow students on the waiting list to enter the course. Since this action may or may not happen all students should follow the official Drop/Add process to avoid receiving a WF in the course. 

Directory Information

Directory information may be released by the College without the student’s written consent. Directory information may include student name, address, telephone number, date of birth, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational institution attended, photographs, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and the height and weight of athletes. A student has the right to refuse permission to release any or all directory information without the student’s prior written consent. The student, at the time of registration, must request in writing that the directory information not be released. A "Request for Non-Disclosure of Information" form is available in the Office of the Registrar. The student must notify the Registrar in writing each academic year of enrollment to deny the release of this information. To deny the release of information, including photographs, pertaining to participation in recognized activities, programs, services, and sports, the student must notify, in writing, the Office of Admissions, the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Student Services, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Office of Public Information each academic year.

Academic Honesty

Flagler College affirms the value of academic honesty and requires all students to adhere to the highest standards of integrity in their academic work. Students are entrusted to be honest in every phase of their academic life and to present as their own work only that which is genuinely theirs. Cheating, plagiarism, violation of test conditions, complicity in dishonest behavior, or other falsification of academic work is a serious breach of College expectations and is subject to immediate disciplinary action.

Plagiarism is defined as any attempt to represent the work of another as one’s own original work. More specifically, plagiarism is the direct appropriation of the language, thoughts or ideas of another — either literally or in paraphrase — without appropriate citation of the source and in such fashion as to imply that the work is one’s own original work. To this end, Flagler College subscribes to Turnitin.com, a web-based plagiarism detection service which enables professors to determine if a paper has been documented properly.

Fabrication is defined as the use of created or invented information or research for the purpose of deceiving an instructor or other College personnel. Bribery is defined as the promising, offering, giving, receiving or soliciting of any materials, items or services of value to influence the judgment or conduct of College personnel.

Misrepresentation is defined as giving false information to any College representative with the intent to deceive or gain an unfair advantage. This may include using computer programs generated by another person and submitting the information to an instructor as your own work (unless expressly allowed by the instructor).

Instructors are responsible for explaining to students what constitutes academic dishonesty in relation to particular course requirements. Instructors are also responsible to ensure that examinations and quizzes are administered in a fashion that discourages dishonesty.

Depending upon the nature of the case, a student guilty of academic dishonesty may receive a penalty ranging from a grade of “F” for the work in question to expulsion from the College. The official actions of the College may be either academic in nature, or both academic and disciplinary.

In all cases wherein an instructor accuses a student of academic dishonesty, the instructor will confer in private with the student and will inform the student of the charge of academic dishonesty, as well as the penalty the instructor is recommending to the Office of Academic Affairs. The instructor will make a written record of the conference, will confirm in writing the accusation and penalty recommended, and will immediately refer the matter to the Office of Academic Affairs.

The Dean or Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs will confer with the instructor, review the charge, meet with the accused student, and inform the student of the penalty to be imposed. The student will be advised that he/she may accept the penalty or may request a hearing. In the event the student denies the allegation or objects to the severity of the penalty, the student may request a hearing before the College Academic Disciplinary Committee.

The request for a hearing will be referred to the College Academic Disciplinary Committee by the Dean or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. The Dean or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs will prepare and issue the charge. The procedure for the hearing is as follows:

Notice

As soon as reasonably possible after the incident occurs, a written notice of the charge shall be given to the student by the Dean or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. The notice will include:

• a statement of the date, time and place of the hearing;
• a statement of the composition of the College Academic Disciplinary Committee and the nature of the hearing; and
• a statement of the charge.

All parties shall be notified of the hearing at least one week in advance. The accused student, however, may waive the right to the one-week notification of his or her case. The student will acknowledge receipt of the notice by responding by e-mail or by signing and returning it to the notice to the Dean or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. The response will become a part of the record.

Safeguard the Student’s Rights

All members of the Committee on Academic Standing, except the chair, will refrain from pre-hearing conferences with any student involved in a scheduled hearing. The chair will advise the student of his or her rights and of the evidence being presented.

An Orderly Hearing

Academic dishonesty hearings are considered to be of an administrative nature; hence, the presence of counsel and the cross examination of witnesses are precluded. The student has the right to call witnesses to testify on his or her behalf and to present evidence in his or her defense. The hearing will be closed to any other persons not immediately involved in the situation.

If a student fails to appear at the specified hearing time, the hearing may proceed in the student’s absence, and a decision may be rendered. The student, however, may request a postponement in the hearing, provided that the request is made in advance of the hearing for good cause. The request for postponement must be submitted to the chair of the College Academic Disciplinary Committee, who may grant the request at his or her discretion.

The chair may admit credible affidavits, and the members shall use their discretion in determining the validity or amount of weight to be given to such affidavits.

After all witnesses have been heard and all other testimony has been presented, the student shall be allowed to summarize his or her position. Upon the completion of the presentation of evidence, the chair shall recess the hearing, and the members shall meet privately to determine whether the charges are substantiated.

During the deliberations, each member bears an equal responsibility for decision-making and must cast a vote for or against all motions. All decisions are determined by majority vote.

All aspects of deliberations must be treated as confidential by the Committee members. If the student is found guilty of academic dishonesty, the College Academic Disciplinary Committee will recommend action or actions to be taken by the Dean or the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. Such action may be of an academic, as well as a disciplinary, nature.

Appeal

The student has the right to appeal the decision of the College Academic Disciplinary Committee to the Dean of Academic Affairs. The appeal must be in writing and must be submitted to the Dean within three days of notification of the Committee’s decision. Such appeals are not of a de novo nature.

Note:

In the event that a charge of academic dishonesty occurs at the end of the semester and involves a graduating senior, a diploma will not be awarded to the student until the matter has been resolved sufficiently to justify the awarding of a degree. The student’s right to appeal the charge will follow the prescribed procedures described, and every effort will be made to ensure the timely and fair adjudication of the case.

Copyright Infringement and Digital Piracy

U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials. Except as permitted by the principles of “Fair Use,” users may not copy or share printed works or digital material (including electronic text, graphic files, commercial software, and audio and video files) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. An attached copyright notice is not needed in order for this protection to apply. Anyone who willfully disregards copyright policy or associated licensing agreements does so at his/her own risk and assumes all liability.

Intellectual Property Rights

Copyright is the ownership and control of the intellectual property in original works of authorship. Flagler College does not generally claim ownership to scholarly or artistic works, regardless of their form of expression. These also include student produced works, such as papers, articles, and art/design pieces. Student ownership of such works does not preclude the College from using such works for internal instructional, educational, administrative, and promotional purposes.

Student Evaluations

The evaluative process at Flagler College places emphasis on all aspects of the student’s academic performance. Class attendance, participation, reports, projects, and test grades are considered in determining final grades. Continuous evaluative efforts, facilitated by a favorable faculty-student ratio, serve to identify learning deficiencies before the end of the course, thus enabling instructors to provide individual assistance when needed. Comprehensive examinations may be given in major fields of concentration during the final semester of the senior year.

Final Examinations: A period for final examinations is scheduled from Monday through Thursday during the last week of the fall and spring terms. The Registrar prepares the final examination schedule and makes it available on-line on the campus web site. Faculty are required to adhere to the published schedule, and students must take the exams at the published times. Students are strongly advised to refrain from making travel arrangements until the end of Final Examination Week.

Assessment

Because of the commitment to provide quality educational experiences, Flagler College uses information from and about students to improve programs, services and overall institutional effectiveness. The College obtains much of this information through the assessment of students’ skills, abilities, competencies and satisfaction. From time-to-time, College faculty or staff may administer formal examinations, surveys or other forms of assessment designed to assess institutional effectiveness. Each year, the College asks special student groups to complete surveys related to particular topics. To ensure that adequate data are collected, students are asked to cooperate with these assessment procedures. For additional information contact the Office of Institutional Research.

Exit Assessment

The College requires that all graduating seniors, during their final semester, participate in assessment procedures as defined for their majors. This assessment may be in the form of departmental, state or national exams; surveys; senior papers; portfolios; final projects; or other types of assessment. Each academic department determines the particular form and time of these assessments. In cooperation with each department, the Office of Institutional Research may administer additional assessments. Satisfaction of exit assessment requirements is necessary for graduation.

Grading of Academic Work

Final grades are available to students via the campus web site at the conclusion of each semester and at the end of summer term, and are recorded on the student’s permanent record. At the student’s request, copies of grade reports will be sent to the legal home permanent address furnished by the student.

The Grading System

Incomplete Grade

A grade of “I” (Incomplete) is assigned by the instructor when a student is unable to complete a course due to extenuating circumstances and when all requirements can be completed in a short time following the end of a term. In the absence of justifiable cause, an incomplete grade will not be assigned.

In order to receive an incomplete grade, a student must initiate the process by completing a “Request for Incomplete Grade” form. The form is available in the Registrar’s Office, and it must be signed by the student, the instructor and the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs.

The student is responsible for making arrangements with the instructor to complete the requirements for the course and to remove the incomplete grade within eight weeks following the semester or term in which the incomplete grade was received. The eight-week period is the maximum time allowed, and the instructor should establish an earlier date, if possible. Students who fail to complete the course requirements within the prescribed period will automatically receive a grade of “F” for the course.

Incomplete grades are included in the calculation of a student’s grade point average. Upon completion of the course requirements, the incomplete grade will be removed, and the final course grade will be used to compute the student’s grade point average.

Grade Correction

Any errors in grades, including omissions, must be reported by the student to the Office of the Registrar. A “Grade Correction Authorization” form may be obtained by the instructor from the Office of the Registrar and must be completed and signed by the appropriate faculty member, the department chairperson, the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, and the Registrar. No corrections, additions or changes will be made unless grade errors are reported to the Registrar by the student within the first two weeks of the semester following the term in which the course was taken. Failure to report a grade error within the time specified above will result in the original grade being filed on a permanent basis.

Appeal of Grade

As a general rule, faculty decisions regarding academic matters within their purview are not subject to appeal, unless the student can present evidence indicating mitigating circumstances of a substantial nature. In an effort to minimize such occasions, it is anticipated that members of the faculty will provide students with adequate explanation of course requirements and grading standards. It is expected that attendance requirements and other standards pertaining to classroom deportment will be explicit. Additionally, grading procedures should be designed to keep students informed of their relative standing.

A student has the right to appeal a course grade, provided there is evidence that the grade is an inaccurate assessment of the student’s work or that it is inconsistent with stated grading criteria. The student must first consult with the instructor to clarify the grading method used and the rationale for the grade issued. If the matter cannot be resolved between the student and the instructor, then the student should consult with the appropriate department chair. The department chair, in turn, will consult with the instructor and then inform the student of his or her decision.

If a student wishes to appeal the department chair’s decision, he or she must submit a formal written appeal to the Office of Academic Affairs. Such an appeal must be submitted within two weeks of the beginning of the next semester and should contain information pertinent to the appeal. The Office of Academic Affairs may dismiss a grade appeal for lack of merit or may appoint a faculty committee to review the appeal and to consider all related evidence. If a committee is appointed, the Committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Asssociate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs who will act on the committee’s recommendation and will notify the student of his decision. The Associate/Assistant Dean’s decision may differ from the Committee’s recommendation. The Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, at his discretion, may conduct a hearing without appointing a faculty committee. The decision of the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs is final and may not be appealed further.
If an instructor is no longer employed by the College, the student grade documentation will be used in the event of a grade appeal. The grade documentation will be maintained in the Registrar’s Office for one year, and then destroyed.

Appeal of Disciplinary Action

When a student wishes to appeal some other disciplinary action (e.g., expulsion from class) taken by a faculty member, the student must first contact the faculty member and obtain a thorough explanation of the reasons for the faculty member’s action. If, in the student’s opinion, the reasons provided are inadequate or the action taken is too severe, the student should then contact the department chair. In the event that the chair is also the faculty member involved, the student should then contact the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. The chair (or the Associate/Assistant Dean) may counsel with the faculty member and the student in an effort to resolve the matter. The chair, however, is not authorized to require that a student be reinstated in a class; rather, the chair should submit a recommendation to the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs.

If the issue is not resolved at the departmental level, the student may request a hearing with the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. A hearing will involve both the faculty member and the student. The Associate/Assistant Dean may conduct the hearing in an informal manner; however, the student should be advised of the date of the hearing and should have an adequate opportunity to present evidence or testimony in his or her behalf. The decision of the Associate/Assistant Dean may be appealed to the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Grades of D or F in the Major or Minor

A student may earn no more than two grades below C in the courses of a major, including ancillary courses, and only one grade below C in the courses of a minor. An ancillary course is any course that is a requirement for the major but not a course offered within the major’s Department Course offerings.

Repeat Courses

Students may only repeat a course in which a grade of D, F or WF was earned to improve their grade point average. While a record of both courses will remain on the transcript, only the most recent grade assigned for the repeated course will be computed into the student’s cumulative grade point average. The most recent repeat grade recorded will be used in calculating the grade point average. Students who repeat a course in which a grade of “F” was originally earned will receive credit hours for the repeat course, provided that a passing grade is earned. However, students who repeat a course in which a grade of “D” was originally earned will not receive credit hours for the repeat course, since credit hours have already been awarded.

Students who earn a grade of D, F or WF in a course at Flagler College may not repeat that course at another institution for purposes of transferring the grade or the credit back to Flagler College. No Flagler College course may be attempted more than three times; withdrawals (W, WP, WF) are counted as attempts.

A student receiving financial aid, a student athlete, or international student who considers repeating a course should contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine if he/she will earn sufficient hours for continued eligibility of that financial aid.

Dean’s List and President’s List

The Dean’s List and the President’s List are compiled in recognition of students achieving a certain standard of academic excellence. To qualify for the Dean’s List a student must complete at least 12 semester hours of letter-grade courses with a 3.4 grade point average and with no grade less than C for the semester. Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average with at least 12 semester hours of graded credit are also named to the President’s List.

Academic Requirements for Continuation

Attendance at Flagler College is a privilege granted solely by the College. Enrollment for one semester or term in no way obligates or requires the College to extend or continue a student’s enrollment beyond the semester or term. At the conclusion of any semester or term, the College is at liberty to disallow a student to continue his or her enrollment. Moreover, the College reserves the right to withdraw, dismiss or suspend at any time a student whose conduct is adjudged as inconsistent with the traditions, rules, standards and regulations of the College.

The following procedures are designed to ensure that students are making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree and are meeting the prescribed academic requirements for continuation. Students at Flagler are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better to remain in good academic standing. At the conclusion of each term, the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs reviews the academic records of students whose semester average or cumulative average falls below a 2.0. The Associate/Assistant Dean considers the student’s cumulative grade point average, semester grade point average, number of semesters enrolled, current academic status, declared major, performance related to academic aptitude, and performance related to the guidelines for continuation. After careful review and in light of his/her professional judgment, the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs determines whether a student receives an academic warning, is placed on probation, is suspended, or is dismissed. Listed below are explanations of, and conditions for, the four types of action that can be taken by the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs.

Warning

An academic warning is issued to students whose semester grade point average is below 2.0 and/or whose good academic standing is in jeopardy. Academic warning is a precautionary admonition that is meant to draw attention to a student’s unsatisfactory academic performance and to encourage renewed diligence in the pursuit of educational goals.

Probation

A student whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.0, or whose academic performance is judged to be of poor quality, will be placed on academic probation. Probation covers a stated trial period during which it is determined whether the student is returned to good standing, remains on probation, is suspended, or is dismissed at the end of the probation period for failure to meet the stated academic standards.

Students placed on academic probation are expected to complete at least 12 semester hours and to achieve a 2.0 grade point average in the subsequent term. Other conditions for continuation may also be stipulated. For example, students may be required to repeat one or more courses in which they earned a grade of D or F. Students on probation are notified in writing of any continuation requirements that must be satisfied in the subsequent semester, and a copy of the notification is kept on file in the student’s permanent record. Failure to satisfy any of these conditions may result in a continuation review and academic dismissal.

Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress towards the awarding of a degree may lose eligibility for certain financial aid programs.
The Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, at his/her discretion and irrespective of grades, may place a student on probation for failure to perform at a level commensurate with the student’s ability.

Suspension

Academic suspension is the involuntary separation of the student from the College. Student records are reviewed carefully before a decision for suspension is made. Students are subject to academic suspension if, in the professional judgment of the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, the student’s academic performance is consistently below the College’s standards or otherwise indicates the inability to maintain good academic standing. Academic suspension will be for a specified time. After the period of suspension has lapsed, students will be allowed to return to the College, will be placed on probation, and will be expected to meet certain expectations specified by the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. Suspension becomes a part of the student’s permanent record until the time of the suspension is completed, at which point it will be removed from the record.

Dismissal

Academic dismissal is also the involuntary separation of the student from the College. Dismissal may or may not be a permanent separation, and it does not entail a definite time of eligibility to return. Student records are reviewed carefully before a decision for dismissal is made. Students are subject to academic dismissal if, in the professional judgment of the Associate/Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, the student’s academic performance is consistently below the College’s standards or otherwise indicates the inability to maintain good academic standing. “Dismissal” will be a part of the student’s permanent record.

Criteria used in a Decision for Suspension

• Failure to maintain a minimal level of academic progress from semester to semester, as suggested in the following guidelines

• Failure to meet the stipulated conditions for continuation as specified in the notification of being placed on academic probation 
• Failure to remove the probationary status after two consecutive semesters on probation
• Failure to make satisfactory academic progress toward fulfilling degree requirements beyond the junior year

The Decision for Dismissal

A decision for dismissal ultimately is made on the basis of a student’s total academic record and in light of appropriate expectations of academic progress. Students who are experiencing academic difficulty are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from their academic advisors, their course instructors, and the Office of Academic Affairs.

In the case of dismissal, a student may appeal the decision and request to be reinstated as a full-time student. All such appeals must be directed to the Dean of Academic Affairs within a period of time specified in the letter of dismissal. This appeal may be granted if, in the judgment of the Dean, such a decision will benefit both the student and the College. There must be extenuating circumstances for the Dean to consider an appeal of dismissal.

Suspension or Dismissal During the Semester or Term

Students who are suspended or dismissed during the term for academic reasons will receive a grade of withdraw (W) or withdraw failing (WF) for the courses in which they were enrolled. The grades assigned by the instructors will be based upon the time of separation from the College. Students who are suspended or dismissed during the semester or term, for disciplinary reasons, will be assigned a grade of W or WF, depending upon the time of their suspension or dismissal.