Student Code of Conduct

Generally, College discipline shall be limited to conduct which adversely affects the College community’s pursuit of its educational objectives or which would jeopardize the health and safety of the College community.

Expulsion, suspension or less severe sanction from the College may result from any of the following conduct where it occurs on campus or in the areas or situations listed in Student Rights and Responsibilities Section 17 or 18.

Academic cheating or plagiarism
Student display of behavior that is deemed a safety risk to himself/herself or others within the campus community
Furnishing false information to the College with intent to deceive
Forgery, alteration or misuse of College documents, records or identification cards
Assault and battery
Vandalism, malicious destruction, damage or misuse of public or private property, including library materials
Theft, embezzlement or temporary removal of the property from its assigned position
Failure to meet obligations related to the College
Rioting, inciting to riot, raiding, and inciting to raid College property
Illegal manufacture, sale, possession or use of narcotics, barbiturates, central nervous system stimulants, marijuana, sedatives, tranquilizers, hallucinogens, and/or other similar known drugs and/or chemicals
Possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, dangerous weapons, incendiary devices, or chemicals
Gambling
Two or more like offenses for which the penalty of disciplinary probation may be imposed
An additional offense committed while the student is on disciplinary probation
Possession or use of alcoholic beverages on College-owned or supervised property
Indecent or obscene conduct on College property or College-supervised property, including cyberspace
Unauthorized solicitation in buildings or facilities owned or controlled by the institution
Abuse or misuse of computing resources to include any attempt to circumvent or compromise the security of any NPC computing resource, any unauthorized access to or tampering with any data files belonging to NPC or any other person or entity, any other similar misuse of or damage to NPC computing resources, or the use of NPC computing resources belonging to any other person or entity

College disciplinary probation or any lesser penalty may result from the following conduct when it occurs on College-owned property, College-supervised property or in the areas or situations listed in Student Rights and Responsibilities Section 16 and 17:

Intoxication or disorderly conduct
Failure to comply with official and proper regulations or order of a duly designated official acting within the scope of his/her authority, agency or agent

Disciplinary Procedure and Due Process for Non-Serious Infractions of the Student Code of Conduct

Procedural due process for non-serious infractions does not provide for legal representation, a public hearing, confrontation, cross-examination of witnesses, self-incrimination, or any of the remaining features of federal criminal jurisprudence. The following procedural guidelines are established for the handling of non-serious disciplinary matters:

The student shall be notified by the Dean of Students that he/she is charged with violating a regulation, that there is an initial five-day fact-finding process, and that he/she may be sanctioned until further action is taken to dispose the charge. This informal process will be held in the office of the Dean of Students or the Vice President for Student Affairs and will include the student, the Dean, and the Vice President. Other college personnel, with knowledge of the matter, may be requested to attend the hearing.

Upon completion of the fact-finding process, an administrative decision will be made. The student will be notified in writing of the decision of the Dean of Students and/or a designate, within five (5) school days.

The student may appeal this decision to the Student Discipline Committee, in writing, within thirty (30) days of the notice of the decision. If the student does not appeal within 30 days, the administrative decision is rendered final.

Possible Disciplinary Sanctions for Non-Serious Infractions of the Student Code of Conduct

Educational Sanctions - papers, counseling, alcohol/drug evaluations, tasks, or series of tasks that are educational in nature and/or serve to benefit the group or community at large.

Reprimand -

a. Oral Reprimand - an oral disapproval issued to the student by a person designated;

b. Written Reprimand - a written statement of disapproval prepared by a designated person

Restitution - Compensation for loss or damage incurred to NPC or a member/guest of the College community.

Disciplinary Probation (with or without sanctions) - Notice that further breach of conduct, as specified, may result in suspension or loss of privileges as may be consistent with the offense committed. The period of probation shall be specified in the decision.

Probated Suspension - Notice that further convictions of major offenses, as specified, may result in suspension. The period of probation shall be specified in the decision.

Disciplinary Procedure and Due Process for Serious Infractions of the Student Code of Conduct

Serious violations in which the sanctions of Suspension or Expulsion may be levied will be adjudicated following an enhanced procedure. Procedural due process will be afforded by way of adequate notice, definite charge, and an opportunity for a hearing to present one’s own side of the case. Students accused of serious violations will have the following disciplinary rights and be subject to the following procedure:

Student will receive a copy of the procedure that will be followed
Student has a right to a live hearing, but may waive the right to be present at the hearing
Student will have reasonable, continuing access to the administrative file that pertains to the student’s allegation at least 7 business days before a disciplinary hearing
Student has a right to be represented by an attorney or a non-attorney advocate, which may fully participate in proceedings and which will be arranged by and paid for by the student
Student has the right to make opening and closing statements and to present relevant evidence
Student’s attorney or non-attorney advocate may cross-examine adverse witnesses
Student has the right to appeal NPC’s initial decision to an institutional employee or body that did not make the decision
Appeal must be filed within 25 days after the notice of decision-NPC may designate the appellate entity as the final authority
Student’s attorney or non-attorney advocate may fully participate until the conclusion of the appellate process

The procedures listed above will be followed when possible sanctions for alleged serious violations of the NPC Student Code of Conduct may include:

Interim Suspension - is a suspension that may be imposed based upon fact finding that shows the student’s continued presence within the campus environment constitutes a danger to property, to himself/herself, or to others. The student will be given notice of the reason for the interim suspension.

Suspension - Temporary severance of the student’s relationship with NPC for a specified period of time. The period of time is to be specified in the decision.

Probated Expulsion - Notice that further convictions of major offenses, as specified in the decision, may result in expulsion.

Expulsion - Permanent severance of the student’s relationship with NPC.