CODE OF CONDUCT 

Student rights and responsibilities are outlined in the Student Handbook. We are extremely proud of the quality of students in the Science Department, however, there have been occasions where disciplinary action is necessary to prevent disruptive and dishonest behavior.  The following items are specific violations and consequences supported by the Science Department.  Your instructor will circulate a form for your signature stating that you understand the Science Department Course Syllabus, which includes this document.  

1.

Any student who exhibits behavior that is disruptive to the learning process such as talking, discourtesy to faculty or fellow students to include obscene language or gestures, or uncooperative actions will be asked to leave the classroom.  The student will be counted absent for this class.  Depending upon the nature of the offense or if it occurs during an exam the instructor may require that the student see the Science Coordinator, Chair of the Science Department, or the Director of Campus Life before returning to class.  Campus Security will be called for any threatening or violent behavior.

2.

Beepers, cell phones, personal stereos, and similar devices are not permitted in class. Permission must be obtained from the Science Coordinator or Instructor for students who are emergency personnel or where there are extenuating circumstances.  Campus Security can locate a student and will interrupt a class if there is a situation that needs immediate attention.

3.

Any student proven to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be given a grade of zero on the exam or assignment. This includes, but is not limited to, giving or receiving information during an exam, use of unauthorized materials during an exam or assignment, plagiarism, or changing answers after a grade has been assigned.  An instructor must have reasonable proof that dishonesty has occurred.  Until an incident is verified, the student will be assigned a grade of “I” for the work.  Witnesses of cheating should report this immediately to the instructor.  The grade will be discussed confidentially with the student.  If the student denies that academic dishonesty occurred, the Chair of the Science Department or Science Coordinator will meet with the instructor and student. The instructor will be supported if departmental guidelines for handling cheating incidences were followed.  However, the student is referred to the Student Handbook for the policy on filing a grievance.  In any incident involving academic dishonesty, a report will be filed with the Director of Campus Life. 

4.

Students with complaints about instructors should follow the appropriate chain of command as outlined in the "Science Department Conflict Resolution" form. A form can be obtained from the Science Department. Signatures must be obtained at each level before the complaint will be validated. There may be some circumstances where the first contact is with the Science Coordinator who will discuss the problem with the instructor. All efforts possible will be made to resolve conflicts internally. However students should remember that matters can also be handled through the Academic Appeal/Grievance process detailed in the Student Handbook.