Student Handbook

From YoKim

Macalester College Student Handbook 2004-2005

[edit] CONDUCT/DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

please note that policies for responding to disciplinary and grievance issues will be under review during the 2004-05 year. The policies may change, and will be duly posted to the campus community in advance.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct. Conduct which is harmful to or infringes on the rights of others, which disturbs the orderly functioning of the College, undermines the standards of the College, or which is in violation of College policies and regulations is not acceptable.

Students should be aware of state and local laws and know that their status as students and/or their presence on the College campus does not excuse them from the responsibility to abide by the laws. Students who violate state and local laws may be subject to College disciplinary actions. Also, the College reserves the right to discipline students for behavior occurring off campus if the behavior violates College policies, interferes with the relationship of the College to others or harms the reputation of the College.

[edit] Expectations for Behavior of Individuals and Groups

The following expectations apply to all Macalester College students. Students living in the residence halls are also expected to follow the policies outlined in the Residential Life section of the Student Handbook. Individual students who encourage or become involved in disruptive activities will be subject to suitable disciplinary action, which may result in a variety of sanctions up to suspension or expulsion. Such activities or conduct include, but may not be limited to:

Interference with or obstruction of instruction, activities, research, conduct proceedings, or college administration; failure to observe established closing hours of a building; obstruction of authorized access to, use of, or egress from college facilities.
Unauthorized access to, presence in, or use of college facilities or grounds.
Unauthorized use of or attempt to use college property or the college name or credit in a manner inconsistent with its designated educational objectives.
The duplication or unauthorized possession of a key card or key to college property.
Falsification of information (written or oral) submitted to any college office, department, college proceeding or individuals acting in their official capacity.
Engaging in disruptive behaviors on or off campus.
Engaging in illegal and/or unethical activities.
Gambling in any non-legal form or sponsoring illegal lotteries or raffles on college property.
Violations of college policies, regulations or rules.

[edit] Standard Sanctions

The Dean of Students, or designate, may impose disciplinary action. Possible conduct sanctions may include the following conduct sanctions:

[edit] Letter of Warning

A Letter of Warning is an official statement to the student that his/her behavior is inappropriate and violates the policies and procedures of the college. A copy of the Letter of Warning is placed in the student's file and serves as a notification to the student that further misconduct could result in additional disciplinary action.

[edit] Educational Assignment

An Educational Assignment is a required activity intended to involve the student in a positive learning experience related to the student's unacceptable behavior. Educational Assignments allow students to reflect upon their inappropriate behavior, to understand why their behavior was inappropriate and to educate other students so they do not find themselves in similar circumstances. This type of disciplinary action may include but is not limited to: engaging in a campus or community service project, attending or presenting a program related to the implications of the student's conduct, writing a paper, interviewing someone, or engaging in some type of personal assessment.

[edit] Restitution

Restitution is compensation required of students who engaged in theft or misuse, damage or destruction of institutional, group or private property. For some offenses, fines may be imposed. The hearing officer will determine the amount, form and method of payment for restitution and fines.

[edit] Guest Privileges

This action would restrict or remove guest privileges in the residence halls, in campus facilities or on campus grounds for a specified period of time.

[edit] Residence Hall Probation

Residence Hall Probation is a formal notice to the student that his/her behavior is unacceptable in the residence halls and continued misconduct could result in further disciplinary action. Residence Hall Probation is for a specified period of time which normally will include not less than one semester or its equivalent up until graduation. During the probationary period, the student must demonstrate that he/she is willing and able to act in accordance with acceptable standards of residence hall life. The student may be required to resign any residence hall office or committee appointment, or may be subject to restricted participation in Residential Life programs.

[edit] Administrative Move

Resident students will be required to move to another room or hall within the residence hall system. This action means that he/she is not being successful living in the current residence hall environment and that another space will enable the student to have a fresh start. This sanction is a last step measure before suspending the student from the residence hall completely.

[edit] Suspension from the Residence Hall

The student will be required to vacate his/her residence hall room for a given time with the understanding that the student may move back in at the conclusion of that period. The student must surrender his/her key for the time of the suspension of residency. The student is not permitted to enter any residence hall during the suspension.

[edit] Termination of Housing Contract

Serious disruption of the residence hall community can lead to the removal of the student from the residence hall. Termination of the housing contract will result in the immediate removal of the student from the halls. In addition, this action could affect a student's future housing contract status with Residential Life. A signed contract for future terms could be rescinded or a refusal to accept any future housing contract for a designated time period could be imposed.

[edit] Limitations on College Activities and Access

Limitations may be imposed because the restriction or suspension of a student's use of college facilities and services, participation in college programs, and access to members of the college community have been determined to be in the best interest of the student and/or college. Limitations on college activities and access are imposed for a specified period of time and may include but are not limited to: ineligibility for service as an officer or member of any college organization or committee; restricted participation in any intercollegiate activity; ineligibility to receive or maintain any award from the college; prohibition from attendance at social events; restricted entrance into various college buildings; and restricted contact or total disassociation from members of the Macalester community.

[edit] Disciplinary Probation

Disciplinary Probation is a formal notice affecting the non-academic status of the student stating that his/her behavior is unacceptable within the college community, Disciplinary Probation requires that the student demonstrate during the probation period that he/she is capable of functioning in a way that does not violate the college's policies and procedures. Disciplinary Probation is for a specified period of time that normally will include not less than one semester or its equivalent until graduation. This action could make the student ineligible to hold office in any organization or represent the college in any official capacity. In some cases, co-curricular activities and/or access to campus grounds and facilities may be curtailed. It is further understood that any further violation, even of a minor nature, could warrant immediate suspension from the college. A conduct record is established. Notification of Disciplinary Probation may include parents, academic deans, security or other appropriate personnel at the discretion of the Dean of Students.

[edit] Suspension

Suspension from the college involves the temporary removal of the student from the college for a specified period of time with the understanding that the student may be returned to good standing at the completion of the suspension period. Suspension from the college further involves the following: the action of suspension will be noted on the student's disciplinary record; the student will be withdrawn from all enrolled courses; the student shall forfeit fees; the student must refrain from visiting the college premises except when engaged in official business approved in writing from the Dean of Students or his/her designee. The persons notified may include parents, academic deans, security, or other appropriate personnel at the discretion of the Dean of Students. Reinstatement: When a student has concluded the Suspension period and completed any conditions accompanying the Suspension, he/she must submit a letter to the Dean of Students requesting reinstatement and provide evidence that he/she has satisfied the terms of the Suspension. The student may return to the college only after the Dean of Students has made an affirmative decision.

A student who has been suspended from the College must submit an application for readmission to the Dean of Students. Conduct files do not become a part of the student's academic record but a student's disciplinary file is considered part of his/her educational record.

[edit] Expulsion

Expulsion is the most serious college disciplinary action and involves the permanent exclusion of the student from the college. Expulsion involves the following: forfeiture of all rights and degrees not actually conferred at the time of expulsion; notification of the Expulsion provided to the student, the student's department, and his/her parents or guardian if the student is a dependent; permanent notation of the Expulsion on the student's academic and disciplinary records; withdrawal from all courses; and forfeiture of tuition and fees. Any student expelled from the college must refrain from visiting the college premises except when engaged in official business approved in writing by the Dean of Students or his/her designee.

Through all its disciplinary procedures, the College makes every effort to enforce policies and regulations in a fair and non-arbitrary manner. The College makes no promise, and specifically disclaims that such enforcement, and the proceedings which are conducted, contain the procedural or evidentiary safeguards contained in court or criminal proceedings.

[edit] General Standards of Conduct

[edit] Student must not

Deny another student the basic right of community living.
Prevent access of residents or guests to the facilities or services of the college.
Damage or vandalize college or personal property.
Injure or threaten to injure residents or guests or endanger the lives of others. This includes but is not limited to physical assault.
Refuse to comply with college officials or deliberately falsify information.
Intimidate, harass or haze other students or staff.
Violate state or federal laws.

[edit] Alcohol and Drug Policy

The use of alcoholic beverages will not interfere with the educational goals, academic and social environment of the residence halls. This policy shall be consistent with the principles for the rights and privacy of all residents living in the residence halls. All additional alcohol and drug policy statements listed elsewhere in this handbook apply.

Students who are legally privileged to use alcohol must do so in a way that does not compromise the rights and safety of others or disrupt the community standards of the residence hall environment.
Students who drink alcohol must insure full compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, local ordinances and college policy. This includes the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol.
Students found with alcohol who are under 21 years of age or who are found in common areas with alcohol will be required to pour out the alcohol in the presence of a staff member.
No alcohol may be consumed in the presence of minors with the exception of a 21 year old who has a roommate who is underage.
Kegs of beer, any forms of common source alcohol and alcohol in excess are prohibited in any residence hall space.
Students must dispose of all alcohol present when asked.
Alcohol cannot be transported, consumed or served in open view in any public space in any residence hall. Public spaces include but are not limited to formal lounges, hallways, basement spaces, bath rooms, stairwells, elevators, porches, etc.
Macalester College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, cultivation or manufacture of illicit drugs and drug related paraphernalia. This includes but is not limited to water pipes and bongs. Hookahs must be registered with the residence hall director and used solely for decorative purposes within the residence halls.
Any activities that take place within a student's room, suite or house that causes or leads to disturbances or damage, creates a potentially hazardous incident or violates state law will not be tolerated.
Public behavior that is disruptive to the community while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.
The use of any substance which creates an unpleasant odor is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, odors that smell like marijuana.
Students found responsible for the possession of kegs and found responsible for a second offense of illegal drugs or alcohol may be suspended from the residence halls.
Confiscated items will not be returned to students or their guests if they are found to violate college policy or state/federal law.
Students seeking information or help with a drug related problem are encouraged to consult with Winton Health Services and the Counseling Center, Residential Life or the Dean of Students office.

[edit] College Property

Students may not paint or wallpaper room surfaces remove college furniture from rooms, add permanent fixtures and/or make any structural changes in the room.
Air conditioning units are not permitted in any college owned property.
No open heating element is permitted such as hot plates, broiler ovens, etc. No major appliances are permitted in the halls including but not limited to large refrigerators, dishwashers, ceiling fans, etc.
Waterbeds are not permitted.
Keys are the property of the college and loaned to students. Students are not permitted to loan, sell, duplicate or transfer any college key to any person for any reason.

[edit] Community Disruption

Individual or group activities that result in disturbance or distress to others or that cause damage or destruction to property are prohibited. This includes but is not limited to sports activities in the hallways or common areas, amplified musical instruments and quiet hour violations.

[edit] Fire Safety

Arson, use of fire, and/or tampering with fire and/or safety equipment is not permitted. This includes but is not limited to fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, alarmed emergency exits and fire doors.
Hanging from or hanging anything on sprinkler heads or pipes is not permitted.
The burning of candles or incense is not permitted in any college owned residence. Students with religious observance needs not met by this policy should contact their Residence Hall Director. This includes students who identify as pagans who have a need to cleanse their residence hall space.
The possession, display or use of firearms, weapons, fireworks, explosives, ammunition or flammable materials is prohibited.
Knowingly pulling a fire alarm when no known fire exists is against the law.
Creating situations that endanger the quick evacuation of a room or building (tampering with locks or obstructing an exit) is prohibited.
Not evacuating a building during a fire alarm is against college policy. Staff are not responsible for evacuating residents. Students may be fined for not evacuating.
No natural vegetation of a combustible nature will be permitted. Christmas trees and evergreen boughs are examples.
Students are not permitted to use halogen lights or lamps in any College owned residence.

[edit] Guests

Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests and for informing their guests of all college policies and procedures.
Guests are permitted if they do not constitute a problem for room mates or other residents.
A guest's stay is limited to three nights per semester. Former Macalester students who are on temporary withdrawal or who have withdrawn from the college are treated as outside guests and are bound by the three nights per semester policy. Overnight guests may not sleep in common areas such as lounges, hallways and laundry rooms.
Student who are suspended from the residence halls or removed by the conduct system for any reason are not permitted as guests in any residence hall.
Guests are not permitted during pre-season and post-season times.

[edit] Noise

Campus quiet hours are in effect after 10 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends. This includes noise within the residence halls as well as outside in courtyards or involving large gatherings of people.
Courtesy hours are in effect at all times. Members of the community may be asked at any time to limit the amount of noise they are creating. If noise can be heard in the hallway 2 doors away from the room creating it, the noise is too loud for the residential community.
Speakers or other amplified systems must be kept out of windows and not played in a manner that is disturbing to the community at large.
During study days and final exam periods, 24- hour quiet hours are in effect in all college-owned halls and dwellings.

[edit] Pets

Only small, naturally caged, non-dangerous pets are allowed in college housing.
Animals are not allowed to roam freely in public areas. All pets must be kept in the owner's room. The owner will be held accountable for the animal's presence in the community and any damages caused by the animal.
All pets must be registered with the Hall Director. Hall Directors have the authority to request the removal of pets if the animal is creating any discomfort in the living environment.
No cats or dogs are allowed in any residence hall.

[edit] Smoking Policy

In order to maintain compliance with the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, all public campus buildings are smoke-free. Some residence halls are smoke free and some allow students to smoke in designated rooms. Students who smoke in an undesignated room may be addressed through the conduct system. This policy is in place to provide for the health of all residential students.

No smoking is allowed in any smoke-free area which includes the public space listed above, as well as those resident rooms not designated as "smoking permitted" rooms.
If smoking permeates the hallway, residents can be required not to.

[edit] Windows, Screens, Roofs, Elevators and Steam Tunnels

Screens are not to be unhooked or removed from windows for any reason. Students will be charged for the installation of removed screens.
Windows are not to be used as entrances or exits to and from buildings.
No structures are to be built out of windows of any hall rooms.
Items and objects are not to be thrown or poured from windows in any building. Items such as banners or sheets cannot be hung from roofs or windows or attached to the exterior of any residential building.
Students are not permitted on roofs or fire escapes, building ledges or overhangs of any college building, college steam tunnels or scaling the outside of buildings or on the top of any elevators.
Opening of residence hall windows during winter may cause damage to building water pipes. Students may be responsible for the costs associated with repairing damage from frozen pipes.

[edit] Telephone Misuse

It is a crime under both state and federal laws for anyone to make obscene and/or harassing telephone calls. These laws have penalties of imprisonment and/or fines and can result in college disciplinary actions. If you receive harassing or obscene phone calls, report it to the residence hall staff immediately. If the call was made to your voice mail, archive the call (press 9 at end of message) and report it to the residence hall staff and security office immediately.

[edit] Misuse of Voice Mail

Use of the voice mail system for general solicitation and/or publicity is prohibited. The Dean of Students must approve all student notices sent by voice mail. Tampering with the voice mail system is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

[edit] Vending Machines

Soft drink, washers and dryers, video and other machines are located in the residence halls. Any machine found to be out-of-order should be reported to the HA or HD immediately. The machines are available for the convenience of the residents. Vandalism of these machines may result in their permanent removal and/or disciplinary action.