Code of Conduct (SSE 100-001)

1.0 Purpose

This policy establishes the guiding philosophy and expectations for student behavior at Baker College through the Code of Conduct.

2.0 Definitions

Administrative Meeting - A meeting between the student accused of an infraction and the presiding College official.

Interim Measures - Temporary measures which are imposed during an investigation to ensure the safety of involved parties and the integrity of the investigation.

Presiding College Official - The presiding College official can be any staff member that has jurisdiction over the student, activity, or area of the College at the time of the alleged infraction.

3.0 Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled at Baker College, regardless of location, modality of learning, or program of study, including online and off-campus activities that impact the College community.

4.0 Policy Statement

Guiding Philosophy

Baker College is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive academic environment that supports the educational and personal growth of all students. The Code of Conduct reflects the College’s values and expectations for student behavior, serving as a framework for community standards that promote accountability, mutual respect, and academic integrity.

Student conduct at Baker College is guided by the Basic Principles of Student Responsibility, the Academic Honor Code, and the IT Acceptable Use Policy. Together, these documents outline the behavioral expectations that support the College’s mission and help maintain a learning environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and fairness.

Adherence to the Code of Conduct is an essential part of each student’s role within the College community. All students are expected to act in a manner that upholds the College’s standards and contributes to a positive and respectful campus climate.

Code of Conduct Expectations

Students are required to conduct themselves in a way that supports the College’s educational mission, promotes community well-being, and aligns with institutional policies. Expectations include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrating respect for the rights, safety, and property of others.
• Maintaining academic integrity and honesty.
• Complying with all federal, state, and local laws.
• Abiding by all institutional rules, policies, and procedures.
• Engaging in behavior that contributes to a safe and inclusive campus environment.

Enrollment at Baker College is considered a privilege, and students are expected to uphold the values of the institution in both academic and non-academic settings.

Additional Program Requirements

Programs within the College of Health Science and the College of Nursing may include additional conduct standards that reflect professional and industry-specific expectations. These program-specific standards complement, but do not replace, the general Code of Conduct. Students enrolled in these programs are responsible for reviewing and adhering to the guidelines outlined in their respective program handbooks

5.0 Procedures

Disclosure of Criminal Arrest or Conviction

• Any student arrested for a felony, whether on or off campus, may be subject to temporary suspension from the College until the legal process has concluded.
• Upon conclusion of the legal proceedings, the student may submit a written request for re-enrollment, which will be reviewed by the appropriate College official.
• Students charged with or convicted of a felony while enrolled are required to report this information to a designated College official within five (5) business days.
• Failure to disclose such information may result in immediate expulsion from the College.

Student Conduct Process

When an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct occurs, the following process is initiated:

1. Notification of Alleged Violation - The student receives formal written notice of an alleged conduct violation. This notice includes the date(s) of the incident and requests the student's participation in an administrative meeting.
2. Administrative Meeting - The student meets with a presiding College official to discuss the incident. During this meeting:

• The College presents relevant evidence.
• The student is given an opportunity to respond and accept or deny responsibility.

3. Determination and Outcome - After the administrative meeting, the College official determines whether a violation occurred. If the student is found responsible, appropriate sanctions are assigned.
4. Alternative Resolution Options - In some cases, an alternative dispute resolution process may be offered as an option for resolving the issue.
5. Appeal Process -  For conduct cases resulting in residence hall dismissal or expulsion from the College, the student may be eligible to appeal the decision. Appeal procedures are outlined in the Student Handbook or other relevant College documents.

Sanctions for Violations

Sanctions are imposed by the presiding College official and may vary based on the nature and severity of the violation. A student’s refusal to accept or acknowledge a sanction does not invalidate its enforcement. All sanctions are recorded in the student’s official conduct file and maintained by the Director of Student Affairs.

Sanctions may include one or more of the following:

• Verbal Warning - A documented conversation in which the student is informed that their behavior was inappropriate.
• Educational Sanctions  - Assignments, workshops, or reflective exercises designed to increase awareness and support personal development.
• Conduct Contract - A formal agreement that outlines prohibited behaviors, the relevant policy violations, and consequences for future infractions, including possible expulsion.
• Restorative Measures - Processes that emphasize repairing harm and restoring relationships, often through structured dialogue or mediation. These may be used independently or in conjunction with other sanctions.
• Suspension - Temporary removal of the student from all College campuses and College housing, if applicable, for a specified period.
• Expulsion - Permanent termination of enrollment with a prohibition from accessing any Baker College campus.

Interim Measures

To ensure campus safety and the integrity of the conduct process, the College may implement interim measures prior to the resolution of a conduct case. These measures may include:

• Temporary suspension from student housing
• Temporary suspension from the College
• Adjustment of course schedules
• Issuance of a no-contact order

Interim measures remain in effect until the investigation and conduct process are complete. The student will be notified in writing once a final decision has been made.

6.0 Responsibilities

Presiding College Official

• Review reports of alleged Code of Conduct violations.
• Notify students of alleged misconduct and initiating the conduct process.
• Conduct administrative meetings to review evidence and hear the student’s response.
• Make determinations of responsibility based on the available information.
• Assign appropriate sanctions when a student is found responsible for a violation.
• Implement interim measures when necessary to maintain campus safety and order.
• Document outcomes and ensuring records are maintained in accordance with institutional procedures.

Students 

• Abide by the Code of Conduct.
• Positively participate in the procedures of adjudication.
• Respectfully abide by the decisions of, and accept any sanctions imposed by the College.

7.0 Citations & Related Information

Document A: Academic Honor Code

Document B: Conduct Contract

Document C: IT Acceptable Use Policy