Preamble

Chipola College is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and learning; to the provision of affordable, quality educational opportunities to all who choose to attend; and to the development of students, instilling ethical responsibility and integrity. This Student Code of Conduct is designed to promote the vision, mission, and goals of Chipola College. Students are expected to uphold appropriate standards of behavior and to respect the rights of others. The sanctions outlined through the disciplinary process are imposed to educate students about the seriousness of their actions, to provide a civil atmosphere that allows for positive personal growth, and to maintain campus safety and security.

Each student, by registering, pledges to accept and obey the rules and regulations of the college. Students are responsible for the observance of all board policies and procedures as published in the College Catalog, the Student Handbook/Planner, and other college information bulletins.

Freedoms

Freedom of Access to Higher Learning—Within the limits of its facilities, Chipola College is open to all persons who are qualified according to its admissions and good standing policies; however, the college reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant except for reasons of race, creed, color, disability, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, veteran’s status, sex, or age. It is the responsibility of the college to make available the criteria it shall use in evaluating student success in all programs. It is the responsibility of students to avail themselves of the knowledge of these objectives and criteria as published.

Freedom of Inquiry and Expression—Students may examine and discuss questions of interest to them and express opinions. This right must be exercised in a manner that does not interfere with the same rights and freedoms of others. Freedom of expression carries with it the responsibility for seeing that the essential order of the College is preserved. Chipola College complies with F.S. 1004.097 Free Expression on Campus and the Florida College System Institution’s Statement on Free Expression.

Freedom of Assembly—The education of students can never be limited to what takes place in a classroom. It is necessary for them, from time to time, to have the privilege of availing themselves of the stimulation that visiting speakers can afford.

The institutional control of campus facilities will not be used as a device of censorship. In cases involving a reasonable prediction of disruptions on the campus, because of the controversial nature of a speaker or the speaker’s subject, the event must be scheduled with the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.

It is the responsibility of the persons who invite outside speakers to make it clear to the academic and larger community that all views expressed are not those of the students, faculty, or employees of Chipola College.

Protection of Freedom of Expression—Students are free to take reasonable exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion; however, they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Student grades are based on academic achievement and not on opinions expressed by students in or outside of class.

Freedom of Religion—Chipola College will reasonably accommodate the religious observance, practice, and belief of individual students in regard to admissions, class attendance, and the scheduling of examinations and work assignments.

Students will give their instructors a reasonable notice of at least one week prior to an intended religious observance and will make up any required work, including tests, within one week of the absence.

Students who believe that they have been unreasonably denied an educational benefit due to their religious beliefs or practices may seek redress through the Student Grievance Policy as outlined in this document. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any students availing themselves of the provisions of this policy.

Freedom of Privacy—Students have the same rights of privacy as any other citizen. Those rights of privacy extend to residence hall living. Nothing in the Chipola College residence hall contract may either express, imply or give College officials the authority to allow the police or government to search the room of a student without a search warrant.

Chipola officials may conduct a search of a student’s room in the residence hall to determine compliance with federal, state, and local criminal law where there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred or is taking place. “Probable cause” exists when the facts and circumstances within the knowledge of college officials are sufficient in themselves to warrant the belief that an offense has been or is being committed. Entry may be made into a residence hall room without notice in emergencies where there is reasonable fear of imminent danger to life, safety, health, or property. Residence hall students must comply with the Chipola College Residence Hall Rules and Regulations.

Confidentiality of Student Records

The privacy and confidentiality of all student records shall be preserved. Official student records, supporting documents, and other student files shall be accessed only by members of the college staff employed for that purpose.

Regulations of the State Board of Education prescribe that the content and custody of limited access records may be maintained on students.

The purpose of Florida Statute 1002.22 is to protect the rights of students and their parents with respect to student records and reports as created, maintained, and used by public educational institutions in the state.