Standard of Conduct

Champlain College strives to create a physical and intellectual environment in which you have the freedom to grow, are challenged to realize your full potential, and are guided with insight and understanding toward preparation for your roles in your profession, in your community and in the world as a global citizen.

This Standard of Conduct has been developed so that you will know what the College expects of you and, in turn, what you can expect from the College. It is an attempt to balance individual needs with the needs of the College without limiting individual freedom of choice. At the same time, freedom of choice implies acceptance of full responsibility for one’s actions. Thus, in choosing to attend Champlain College, you choose to conform to this Standard of Conduct, which has been designed for the common good of the institution and all of its constituencies, including its neighbors in the community.

Violations of the Standard of Conduct may result in a range of sanctions, which could include, but are not limited to suspension or dismissal from the College. In addition, the College reserves the right to discharge a student or remove a student from campus without prior warning or use of disciplinary procedures described in this and/or other College policies if, in the judgment of the College, the student’s behavior poses a serious threat to the reputation or welfare of the College and/or its students, faculty or staff.

Section 1: I will respect all students, faculty and staff, as well as our surrounding community and neighborhood.

Behaviors that are inconsistent with this standard include, but are not limited to, the following:

Threatening or posing a threat to the health, safety or welfare of oneself or another;
Harassing, intimidating bullying or abusing others, verbally, in writing or through electronic communication;
Failing to comply with College policies;
Disturbing the peace or creating undue noise;
Disrupting the lawful and orderly activities of others; exhibiting disruptive or disrespectful behavior in any College facility, classroom (on-campus or online), laboratory, or online environment or the surrounding neighborhood;
Failing to comply with the instructions of College officials or their representatives (this includes misrepresenting one’s identity;)
Possessing or using weapons, ammunition, explosives, flammable substances, or other dangerous devices. (“Weapons” means any object or substance designed or used to inflict a wound, cause injury or incapacitate, including but not limited to all firearms, pellet guns, air pistols, air rifles; any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife or any other knife having a blade of three or more inches; black jacks, metal knuckles [aka: brass knuckles], nunchaku [aka: nun chucks], fireworks, explosives and biological agents. Realistic replicas and facsimiles of weapons are also considered weapons and are therefore prohibited. The use of implements or substances not commonly used as a weapon or not expressly prohibited by this section may be a violation of this policy if used as a weapon. The use of mace or tear gas will not be a violation of this policy if used solely for self-defense.) Exceptions can be granted only by the Campus Public Safety Office for on-duty police officers on campus in an official capacity.

Section 2: I will respect the academic mission and integrity of the institution.

Behaviors that are inconsistent with this standard include, but are not limited to, the following:

Using the intellectual or artistic work of another without appropriate acknowledgment. Students are responsible for learning how to avoid plagiarism, including appropriate documentation of sources and copyright issues associated with print and electronic media;
Attempting to deceive a faculty member in preparation of papers, reports, homework assignments, theses and other written or oral exercises, or participating with another in attempting to deceive a faculty member;
Cheating on exams or tests by giving, receiving or using unauthorized help;
Gaining access or attempting to gain access to quiz, test or examination materials prior to or in a context other than their distribution by the instructor;
Falsifying academic records or giving false information to be entered on an academic record;
Tampering with administrative records or giving false information to be used in an administrative capacity;
Tampering with or illegally copying software or copying others’ computer programs;
Stealing cash or merchandise, falsifying time cards or otherwise defrauding an employer during an internship, field experience or work-study placement;
Engaging in disruptive behavior that interferes with the learning of others;
Misusing technology by accessing inappropriate or illegal materials, or by interfering with the network in any way that affects others at the College.

NOTE: Students may be subject to sanctions under the College’s Conduct Review Process for conduct that violates the standard described in section 2. above, and may also be subject to additional sanctions under the College’s Academic Dishonesty Policy if such conduct also violates that policy. The College may choose to use one, either or both processes to address such conduct, at its discretion.

Section 3: I will respect and comply with local, state and federal laws, statutes and ordinances.

Compliance with College regulations does not in any way exempt students from adhering to local ordinances or state or federal statutes. In fact, violation of these laws represents a violation of Champlain College regulations regardless of whether prosecution ensues. Behaviors that are inconsistent with this standard include, but are not limited to, the following:

Failing to comply with College, state and federal alcohol and drug policies (the College policy is described fully in the section titled Drug & Alcohol Policy;)
Possessing or using weapons, ammunition, explosives, flammable substances, or other dangerous devices in violation of any law or ordinance;
Being charged with or convicted of a crime. If, after acceptance or enrollment, it comes to the attention of the College that a student has been charged with or convicted of a crime, the offer of admission or the privilege of attending Champlain College may be revoked

Section 4: I will respect the physical facilities of the institution.

Behaviors that are inconsistent with this standard include, but are not limited to, the following:

Vandalizing College or community property;
Trespassing;
Setting off a fire alarm when no fire or similar emergency exists;
Using a fire extinguisher or other safety device when no emergency exists;
Creating a fire, safety or health hazard;
Duplicating keys or developing other ways to gain access to restricted areas, information or goods;
Theft or unauthorized acquisition, removal or use of property, including computer hardware or software.

This Standard of Conduct applies to all members of the Champlain community and to all areas owned or leased by the College, as well as to any location where you are engaged in a College activity. The College reserves the right to take disciplinary action against Champlain College students who are involved in any off-campus incidents of criminal activity or otherwise inappropriate non-criminal behavior, particularly when such incidents have implications for campus safety or affect the reputation or operation of the College.