Table of Contents
1. Policy Statement and Purpose
Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC or the College) is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and orderly educational environment that supports student learning and development. The Student Code of Conduct (Code) establishes behavioral expectations for students and student organizations and provides procedures for resolving alleged violations.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the College’s mission, policies, and standards of behavior. They are responsible for respecting the rights, property, and well-being of members of the College community and for avoiding conduct that interferes with the rights of others or the normal operations of the College. Conduct inconsistent with these expectations may constitute a violation of this Code.
Activity protected by the College's Campus Free Speech and Expression Policy (Board Policy 808.1) will not be deemed a violation of this Code solely because the expression is unpopular, controversial, or offensive.
The student conduct process is educational in nature. While sanctions may be imposed when violations occur, the primary purposes of the process are to:
- Promote accountability;
- Support student development and growth;
- Restore community standards where appropriate; and
- Protect the integrity, safety, and functioning of the College community.
This Code shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state law, including, but not limited to, FERPA, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), and applicable Iowa law.
2. Applicability and Policy Intersection
This Code applies to allegations of general misconduct by a student or student organization.
Other categories of alleged misconduct are governed by separate College policies and procedures and are not resolved under this Code, including:
- Title IX Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct;
- Discrimination and Harassment based on protected characteristics; and
- Academic Dishonesty / Academic Integrity violations.
When allegations fall within the scope of those policies, the procedures outlined in the applicable policy shall govern. Please refer to the applicable sections of the Student Handbook relating to these specific areas for additional information.
The College reserves the authority to determine which policy or procedure applies, based on the nature of the alleged conduct. When allegations involve both general misconduct and conduct governed by another policy, the College may:
- Resolve matters under the most applicable policy;
- Resolve allegations under separate but coordinated procedures; or
- Take both actions when appropriate.
3. Authority and Administrative Roles
3.1 President
The President is responsible for establishing and administering guidelines and standards related to probation, suspension, and dismissal of students, including provisions for due process and protection of individual rights.
3.2 Dean of Students
The Dean of Students oversees administration of the student conduct procedures. The Dean of Students is responsible for developing written procedures for the practical application of this Code. For good cause, the Dean of Students may authorize modifications to procedures, provided those modifications do not materially compromise fairness and due process.
3.3 Student Conduct Officer (SCO)
The Student Conduct Officer (“SCO”) serves as the primary conduct authority and is responsible for intake, notices, meetings, case management, hearing administration, interim measures, and issuing administrative dispositions when appropriate.
3.4 Shared Responsibility
All College officials, faculty and staff members share responsibility for promoting an environment conducive to learning and for reporting and addressing student conduct concerns consistent with College policy.
4. Jurisdiction
4.1 Students
A student is any individual accepted for admission, enrolled in, registered for, or participating in a learning opportunity (credit, non-credit, or other College-sponsored program, activity or service). This Code applies to student behavior from the time of acceptance for admission through graduation or exit from a program or service. A student’s status at the time of the alleged conduct governs applicability. The College retains jurisdiction over conduct matters that arise while a student is enrolled, even if the student withdraws, takes a leave of absence, graduates, or exits a service prior to resolution.
4.2 Student Organizations
This Code applies to conduct of student organizations. The College retains jurisdiction over conduct that occurred when the organization was recognized or seeking recognition by the College, regardless of later status.
4.3 Guests of Students
Students are also responsible for the behavior of their guests and may be held responsible for the actions of guests who violate the provisions of this Code.
4.4 Locations and Platforms
This Code applies to conduct occurring on College property, on College-supported virtual platforms, during College-sponsored activities, and during activities or events of recognized student organizations, regardless of location.
The College may also apply this Code to off-campus conduct, including online conduct, when such conduct adversely affects the College community or materially interferes with the College's educational mission, operations, or the pursuit of its objectives.
4.5 Concurrent Processes
Proceedings under the Code operate independently from civil or criminal proceedings and may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil and criminal proceedings. As this Code applies to student behavior, the student conduct process may continue regardless of whether criminal charges or civil actions have been terminated, dismissed, or reduced regarding the same incident.
5. Definitions
This list is not exhaustive.
- Responding Party / Respondent: A student or student organization accused of violating the Code.
- Complainant: An individual submitting a report or complaint alleging a violation. The complainant need not be the direct target of the alleged misconduct.
- Reporting Person: Any person who reports an allegation under this Code.
- Advisor / Support Person: One person designated by the Respondent to provide counsel, advice, or support through the process. The Support Person is a silent, non-participating presence and may not speak on the student’s behalf.
- Business Days: Days the College’s administrative offices are open.
- Conduct Charge(s): Alleged Code violations listed in the Notice of Allegations.
- College Official: Any administrator of the College who, by assigned responsibility, has authority to act in a particular situation.
- College Property / Facilities: Property, real or personal, owned, leased, controlled, or managed by the College.
- College-sponsored Activity: Any activity initiated, authorized, aided, or supervised by the College.
- Evidence: Available information considered in determining whether a violation of the Code occurred and, if applicable, what sanction should be imposed.
- Preponderance of the evidence: The standard of proof by which it will be decided if a student has engaged in misconduct under this Code. A preponderance of the evidence exists when it is “more likely than not” or the greater weight of the evidence suggests a violation occurred.
- Sanction: Disciplinary measure implemented when a Respondent is found responsible for a violation of the Code.
- Student: any individual accepted for admission, enrolled in, registered for, or participating in a learning opportunity (credit, non-credit, or other College-sponsored program, activity or service).
6. Preliminary Matters
6.1 Official Communication
WITCC student email is the College’s official method of communication for conduct-related matters. Students are responsible for monitoring official College email accounts. Failure to review or respond to official communications does not invalidate properly issued notices or excuse compliance with applicable deadlines under this Code. For any parties who are not issued a WITCC student email account, the College will use the email address or postal address on the student’s official record. Individuals are responsible for monitoring College correspondence issued through their designated communication method.
6.2 Disability Accommodations
The College is committed to providing equal access to the conduct process, consistent with the law. A student with a documented disability may request reasonable accommodations by notifying the SCO as early as possible and providing appropriate documentation.
Existing academic accommodations do not automatically apply to the conduct process.
6.3 Interim Measures
The SCO may implement interim measures when necessary to protect the safety and well-being of the College community, prevent disruption to College operations, or preserve the integrity of the conduct process. Interim measures are not a finding of responsibility and are not intended to be punitive or disciplinary in nature. See Appendix D for interim measures standards.
6.4 Amnesty / Good Samaritan
WITCC encourages students to seek immediate assistance for themselves or others and to inform the College whenever health or safety concerns arise, without fear of disciplinary consequences for themselves.
A student who, in good faith, seeks medical or emergency assistance for themselves or another person may be eligible for amnesty for minor Code violations, such as their own use of alcohol or drugs, occurring at or near the time of the incident.
Amnesty:
- Applies only to minor violations;
- Does not apply to serious or repeated misconduct;
- Does not apply to distribution or sale of illegal substances;
- Does not apply to conduct involving violence or sexual misconduct;
- Does not preclude required educational or supportive interventions; and
- Does not prevent interim measures necessary for safety.
- Eligibility for amnesty is determined at the discretion of the College.
6.5 Recording
Formal Conduct Hearing proceedings will be recorded by the College. Deliberations shall not be recorded. No other recording is permitted. The recording may be viewed by the Respondent during the appeal period, but copies will not be provided. Recordings remain the property of the College and are maintained as conduct records. Conduct records may be made available to students upon request, subject to FERPA and WITCC Policy 502.2.
6.6 Support Person (Advisor)
A Respondent may designate one Support Person at their own expense.
- The Support Person may consult privately with the student and attend and observe Conduct Meetings or Hearings.
- The Support Person may not speak for the student, make arguments, or directly question witnesses on behalf of the student or otherwise participate directly in Conduct Meetings or Hearings.
- The College may remove a Support Person who disrupts proceedings or fails to comply with these procedures.
6.7 Standard of Evidence
Responsibility is determined based on a preponderance of the evidence. Students are presumed not responsible unless and until a violation of the Code is established by a preponderance of the evidence.
7. Prohibited Conduct
This list is illustrative and non-exhaustive.
- Obstruction or material disruption of teaching, administrative processes, disciplinary proceedings, or authorized College activities.
- Unauthorized obstruction, entry into, occupation of, or use of College property.
- Conduct that threatens or endangers health or safety of another person, including violence, threats, assault, or dangerous behavior.
- Theft, damage, defacement, or misuse of another person’s or College property.
- Interference with lawful rights of others, including access to College facilities or participation in programs.
- Fire setting, creating a fire hazard, or tampering with fire/safety equipment.
- Unlawful use, possession, sale, or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, firearms, explosives, or prohibited weapons/materials. Pursuant to federal law, cannabis use (including medical) is prohibited on College premises and at College-sponsored activities.
- Conduct that materially interferes with another person’s access to College programs or activities, consistent with applicable policies.
- Dishonesty: falsification, forgery, misrepresentation, or knowingly making a false report.
- Unauthorized use or misuse of College property, services, information technology resources, or virtual learning environments.
- Violation of published College policies or regulations.
- Failure to comply with lawful or legitimate directions of College officials.
- Disorderly or obscene conduct that materially disrupts College operations.
- Gambling or “games of chance” without proper authorization.
- Failure to appear at a scheduled conduct meeting or hearing after receiving proper notice.
- Smoking or use of tobacco products/e-cigarettes/vape devices as prohibited by College policy.
- Violation of federal, state, or local law when the conduct adversely affects the College community or the pursuit of its educational objectives.
- Hazing, as defined by the WITCC Hazing Policy and Iowa law.
- Retaliation against any individual for reporting misconduct or participating in a conduct process.
- Prohibited recording in spaces with an explicit expectation of privacy (e.g., restrooms or locker rooms).
- Failure to disclose certain felony-related convictions as required by College policy.
- Failure to comply with interim measures.
- Failure to complete assigned sanctions.
- Public or indecent exposure.
- Obstruction of the conduct process.
- Aiding, assisting, or abetting any person or persons in any action or conduct stated to be prohibited.
8. Conduct Resolution Procedures
These procedures implement the Code as it relates to allegations of general misconduct. Matters governed by Title IX, discrimination/harassment, or academic integrity policies proceed under those separate procedures.
This policy is not intended to prevent members of the College community from attempting to resolve matters informally.
8.1 Reporting Allegations
Potential violations of this Code may be reported using the WITCC Online Student Conduct Reporting Form.
Reports may also be submitted to the Student Conduct Officer (SCO), the Dean of Students, or any College Official with responsibility for receiving or responding to student conduct concerns.
Reports should be submitted as promptly as practicable, preferably within thirty (30) calendar days of the alleged incident. Delayed reporting does not preclude the College from reviewing or investigating the matter; however, delays may affect the availability of evidence, witness recollection, or the College's ability to fully investigate the allegations.
The College may receive anonymous reports. While anonymous reports will be reviewed and evaluated to the extent practicable, the College's ability to investigate, respond to, or resolve allegations may be limited when the reporting party or other relevant information cannot be identified or verified.
Nothing in this section limits the College's authority to implement interim measures or take other appropriate action when information, including anonymous information, indicates a potential threat to the health, safety, or security of the College community.
The Student Conduct Officer (SCO) may also initiate a report of an alleged violation of this Code based on direct knowledge or other reliable information.
8.2 Initial Review
When a report is received, the SCO will consider:
- Whether the report alleges conduct that would violate the Code if proven;
- Whether the College has jurisdiction; and
- Whether interim measures or further resolution actions are required.
8.3 Notice of Allegations
If formal conduct action is initiated, the SCO will issue written notice to the Respondent’s official College email within five (5) business days of the SCO’s decision to proceed with formal conduct action. The notice will generally include:
- A brief description of alleged misconduct;
- Alleged violations (Conduct Charge(s));
- Potential sanctions, including whether suspension/expulsion is possible;
- A link to the Code;
- Date/time/location (or access information) for a required Conduct Review Meeting; and
- Information about Support Person, interim measures and accommodation requests.
If no violation of the Code appears to have taken place, the report may be dismissed, re-routed to another College official for review, or closed at the discretion of the SCO. In such instances the SCO will provide the student or student organization representative a written notice of dismissal.
8.4 Conduct Review Meeting
The Conduct Review Meeting is an administrative meeting between the Respondent and the SCO to review allegations and information, explain the process, and identify resolution pathways. The meeting will be held within five (5) to ten (10) business days after the Notice of Allegations. The Respondent may provide a response and relevant information either verbally or in writing during the meeting. The Respondent’s Support Person may attend but may not participate or speak on the Respondent’s behalf.
Potential outcomes:
Resolution by Agreement / Acceptance of Responsibility
Informal or Alternative Resolution
Administrative Disposition
Referral to Conduct Hearing (required if suspension/expulsion is possible)
8.5 Resolution by Agreement
Where appropriate, the Respondent may accept responsibility and agree to sanctions. A resolution by agreement shall be documented in writing. Such resolutions are final and not appealable. If the SCO determines a Resolution by Agreement is appropriate under this Code, the Respondent may voluntarily agree to resolve the conduct matter by acknowledging the violation(s) occurred, accepting any informal resolution or assigned sanctions, and waiving the Conduct Hearing. The agreement will be drafted by the SCO and must be accepted by the Respondent within three (3) business days of the agreement offer. If not contested within three (3) business days, or the formal student conduct process will continue.
8.6 Administrative Disposition
An Administrative Disposition constitutes the College's final determination of responsibility unless timely appealed under Section 10. When appropriate, the SCO may issue a written Administrative Disposition including charges, summary of information considered, determination, sanctions (if any), and rationale. The Administrative Disposition will be issued to the Respondent within five (5) business days of the Conduct Review Meeting. Any appeal of the Administrative Disposition is limited to the grounds set forth in Section 10.3(B).
9. Conduct Hearing Procedures
9.1 When a Hearing is Required
A Conduct Hearing is required when suspension or expulsion is a potential sanction.
For cases in which suspension or expulsion is not a potential sanction, the SCO may resolve the matter through an Administrative Disposition or other appropriate resolution pathway under this Code. A Respondent does not have an automatic right to a Conduct Hearing in such cases. Such matters remain subject to the appeal process in Section 10.
9.2 Hearing Panel Composition
A Conduct Hearing Panel will be designated by the SCO and consist of no fewer than three (3) impartial, trained members (College staff, faculty or officials) with no prior substantive involvement. The SCO administers the hearing process, manages the record, and facilitates questioning, but does not deliberate or vote.
9.3 Hearing Notice
The Respondent will receive written notice within ten (10) calendar days following the Conduct Review Meeting, which will (1) describe the Conduct Charges, (2) provide the date, time, and location of the Conduct Hearing, and (3) indicate that suspension and/or expulsion are potential sanctions. If the Respondent does not appear for the Conduct Hearing after receiving notice, the information supporting the Conduct Charges will be presented and considered in their absence.
9.4 Evidence Review
The Respondent will have an opportunity to review evidence that may be relied upon, subject to legal and policy limitations, and any witness lists, at least three (3) business days prior to the Conduct Hearing.
9.5 Witnesses
The SCO may arrange for witnesses, including any Complainant, to provide relevant information and testimony to the Panel during the Conduct Hearing. The Respondent may propose witnesses to provide testimony at the Conduct Hearing, at least three (3) business days prior to the Conduct Hearing. The SCO may exclude witnesses whose testimony is determined to be irrelevant, immaterial, or repetitive
9.6 Hearing Format
- Hearings are closed to the public.
- Formal rules of evidence do not apply.
- Direct and cross-examination by participants is not permitted; the Respondent and the Panel may ask questions of witnesses, and the Panel may ask questions of the Respondent, but all questions must be directed to and facilitated by the SCO.
9.7 Deliberations
The Respondent and their Support Person, if any, may attend the entire portion of the Conduct Hearing during which information is presented, excluding the Panel’s deliberations. After the portion of the Conduct Hearing during which all pertinent information has been presented concludes, the Panel shall determine (by majority vote) whether the Respondent has violated each section of the Code with which they are charged. The Panel’s determination will be based on a preponderance of the evidence.
9.8 Written Decision
The Panel will issue a written decision within a reasonable time following the hearing, generally within five (5) business days, including findings, determination, sanctions (if any), and appeal information.
10. Appeal Procedures
10.1 Appeal Eligibility
Appeals are available only as provided in this Section. Appeals are not re-hearings.
10.1.1 Suspension or Expulsion Cases
When a Respondent is found responsible and the sanction includes suspension or expulsion, the Respondent may appeal under the grounds set forth in Section 10.3(A).
10.1.2 Cases Not Involving Suspension or Expulsion
When the sanction does not include suspension or expulsion, any appeal is limited to the grounds set forth in Section 10.3(B)
10.2 Deadline and Submission
Appeals must be submitted to the President or designee in writing within five (5) business days of the date of the written decision.
The appeal must:
- Identify the specific ground(s) relied upon;
- Explain how the ground(s) apply; and
- Provide any supporting information permitted under the applicable ground(s).
Once the President or designee receives the appeal, they will review and, within ten (10) business days, issue a written decision granting or denying the appeal and explaining the basis for that decision. The decision of the President or designee on whether to accept or deny the appeal is final.
10.3 Grounds for Appeal
(A) Grounds Applicable to Suspension or Expulsion
Appeals in cases involving suspension or expulsion are limited to one or more of the following grounds:
- Procedural Error: A procedural error that materially affected the outcome.
- New Evidence: New information not reasonably available at the time of the hearing or decision that could materially affect the outcome.
- Conflict of Interest or Bias that affected the fairness of the proceeding: A conflict of interest or bias by the SCO, the Panel, or other College official materially affecting the fairness of the process.
- Clearly Erroneous Determination (Weight of the Evidence): The determination of responsibility is clearly erroneous because it is substantially contrary to the weight of the evidence in the case record.
- Disproportionate / Inconsistent Sanction: The sanction imposed is clearly disproportionate to the violation and substantially inconsistent with the College’s published sanctioning guidelines, considering the Respondent’s cumulative conduct/disciplinary history and the totality of circumstances.
(B) Grounds Applicable to Cases Not Involving Suspension or Expulsion
Appeals in cases not involving suspension or expulsion are limited to:
- Procedural Error that materially affected the outcome;
- New Evidence not reasonably available at the time of the decision that could materially affect the outcome; or
- Conflict of Interest or Bias that materially affected fairness.
10.4 Scope of Appeal Review
Except for new information, an appeal is limited to the case record. The Appeal Review is not a new Conduct Hearing. The President or designee will review the case record and decision under review to determine whether the decision was made based on a preponderance of the evidence, whether there were procedural errors, whether the sanction is appropriate and proportionate to the violation, or whether new information should be considered by the Conduct Panel. As such, the student does not have the opportunity to meet with the President or designee. Appeal review is limited to the existing hearing case record, except as necessary to evaluate qualifying new evidence. Appeals are not an opportunity to present information that could reasonably have been presented earlier.
10.5 Appeal Review and Decision
During the Appeal Review, the President or designee will consider each identified basis of appeal. If the President or designee determines that the student or student organization has not met the basis for appeal, the appeal will be denied. If the President or designee decides the student or student organization has met the basis for appeal, the President or designee will grant the appeal. When an appeal is granted, the President or designee may affirm, modify, or remand the matter for further proceedings. The appeal decision is final.
Following completion of the Appeal Review, the President or designee will issue a written Appeal Decision Letter within five (5) business days. The appeal review decision is final. The Code of Conduct Office will deliver the Decision Letter to the student or student organization via official College email or official postal address on record (for individuals without a College issued Student email account).
10.6 Procedural Exceptions
A student or organization representative may submit a petition to the SCO to request exceptions to these procedures for good cause. To be considered, petitions must provide a brief written statement regarding the rationale for the exception and must provide the SCO a reasonable amount of time to consider the request. The SCO has the discretion to grant or deny petitions.
For good cause, the SCO may also make an exception to these procedures without a petition. If an exception is made by the SCO, the student or student organization representative will receive written notice within a reasonable time.
11. Sanctions
Sanctions are designed to promote accountability, protect community safety, restore impacted parties where appropriate, educate students, and prevent recurrence.
Sanctions are determined based on:
- Nature and severity;
- Impact;
- Prior conduct history;
- Mitigating/aggravating factors;
- Safety Considerations
- Acceptance of responsibility; and
- Risk of recurrence.
Sanctions may include status sanctions, educational/restorative sanctions, financial sanctions, and restrictions/loss of privileges. See Appendix C for a sanctioning guidelines matrix.
12. Student Organization Sanctions
Student organizations may be subject to all sanctions in Appendix C and, as appropriate:
- Organizational Warning
- Organizational Probation
- Organizational Suspension
- Loss of Recognized Status
13. Records and FERPA
Conduct records are educational records under FERPA and maintained separately from academic transcripts.
Retention:
- Records with sanctions less than suspension: seven (7) years following the calendar year of record.
- Records involving suspension or expulsion: retained indefinitely.
Access to conduct records is limited as permitted by law and WITCC Policy 502.2. The College may disclose information consistent with FERPA health and safety exceptions, or any other applicable exceptions.
14. Interpretation, Revisions, and Procedural Flexibility
The Dean of Students is responsible for interpretation and administration of this Code. Administrative revisions to these procedures may be approved by the President or designee as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable law, Board policy, and College operational needs. For good cause, the SCO or Dean of Students may authorize procedural exceptions that do not materially compromise fairness and due process.
15. Contact Information
Student Conduct Office
Student.ConductOffice@witcc.edu
Student Conduct Officer
Sarah Markworth
Sarah.Markworth@witcc.edu
(712) 317-3475
Dean of Students
Tawnya Beermann
Tawnya.Beermann@witcc.edu
(712) 317-3227
President
Dr. Terry Lindsay
Terry.Lindsay@witcc.edu
Appendix A - Student Conduct Process Timeline Chart
Timeframes are measured in business days unless otherwise specified. The College may extend timeframes for good cause and will communicate extensions when practicable.
Phase 1: Report Intake and Initial Review |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Step | Action | Responsible Party | Standard Timeline |
| 1 | Report submitted | Any individual | As soon as possible after incident (ideally within 30 days) |
| 2 | Initial jurisdiction/allegation review | SCO | Within five (5) business days |
| 3 | Interim measures assessment | SCO/Dean of Students | As needed; promptly upon risk assessment |
| 4 | Resolution pathway determination | SCO | Within five (5) business days of initial notice |
Phase 2: Notice and Conduct Review Meeting |
|||
| Step | Action | Responsible Party | Standard |
| 5 | Notice of Allegations issues | SCO | Generally within five (5) business days of decision to proceed |
| 6 | Conduct Review Meeting scheduled | SCO | Typically within five (5) - ten (10) business days of notice |
| 7 | Conduct Review Meeting held | Respondent and SCO | As scheduled |
| 8 | Administrative Disposition (if applicable) | SCO | Generally within five (5) business days of meeting |
Phase 3: Conduct Hearing (if required) |
|||
| Step | Action | Responsible Party | Standard |
| 9 | Hearing notice issued | SCO | Within ten (10) calendar days of Conduct Review Meeting (absent good cause) |
| 10 | Evidence review window | Respondent | At least three (3) business days prior to hearing |
| 11 | Hearing held | Hearing Panel | As scheduled |
| 12 | Written decision issued | Hearing Panel | Within five (5) business days of hearing conclusion |
Phase 4: Appeal (if eligible) |
|||
| Step | Action | Responsible Party | Standard |
| 13 | Appeal submitted | Respondent | Within five (5) business days of decision |
| 14 | Appeal grounds review | President or designee | Typically within ten (10) business days of receipt |
| 15 | Final appeal decision | President or designee | Typically within five (5) business days of appeal grounds review conclusion |
Appendix B - Hearing Rights and Responsibilities Matrix
This Appendix applies to formal Conduct Hearings when suspension or expulsion is a possible outcome.
Respondent Rights During the Conduct Process |
|
| Right | Description |
| Written Notice | Notice of allegations, policy violations, and potential sanctions. |
| Access to Evidence | Review evidence that may be relied upon prior to the hearing. |
| Opportunity to Respond | Present information, relevant evidence, and request that relevant questions be asked of witnesses through the Student Conduct Officer. |
| Witness Requests | Propose relevant witnesses for consideration. |
| Support Person | One non-participatory support person present. |
| Impartial Panel | Trained panel free from conflict of interest or bias. |
| Standard of Evidence | Preponderance of the evidence applied consistently. |
| Written Notice of Decision | Written findings, rationale, sanctions (if any), and appeal info. |
| Appeal (If Eligible) | Limited grounds appeal within established timelines. |
Student Responsibilities During the Conduct Process |
|
| Responsibility | Description |
| Monitor and Respond to Official College Communications | Students are responsible for regularly reviewing official communications from the College and maintaining current contact information. Official notices related to the conduct process may be delivered through the student's WITCC email account or, when a College email account has not been assigned (such as for certain non-credit participants), through the designated mailing address, email address or other contact information maintained in the student's official College record. Failure to review or respond to official communications does not invalidate properly issued notices or delay conduct proceedings conducted in accordance with College policy. |
| Participate | Participate in scheduled conduct meetings and hearings. If a student fails to appear after reasonable notice has been provided, the College may proceed with the conduct process and render a decision based on the information available. |
| Honesty | Students are expected to provide complete, accurate, and truthful information throughout the conduct process. Knowingly providing false, misleading, or fraudulent information may constitute a separate violation of the Student Code of Conduct. |
| Compliance | Students are responsible for complying with interim measures, directives issued by College officials, and any sanctions imposed through the conduct process by the deadlines established. |
| Respect | Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner during all meetings, hearings, and other conduct proceedings. Disruptive, intimidating, or abusive behavior may result in removal from the proceeding and may constitute a separate violation of the Student Code of Conduct. |
Hearing Panel Responsibilities |
|
| Duty | Description |
| Impartiality | Remain neutral and avoid conflicts of interest. |
| Evidence Evaluation | Consider relevant and reliable information. |
| Confidentiality | Maintain confidentiality consistent with FERPA. |
| Apply Standard | Apply preponderance standard consistently. |
| Written Findings | Issue written determination with rationale. |
SCO Responsibilities |
|
| Case Management | Scheduling, notices, Administrative Dispositions, procedural compliance. |
| Evidence Compilation | Gather/organize and review relevant information. |
| Procedural Oversight | Ensure consistent application of procedures, establish trained pool of hearing panelists, designate hearing panelists. |
| Question Facilitation | Administer Hearing procedures and manage questioning process. |
| Record Maintenance | Maintain official conduct records. |
Appendix C - Sanctioning Guidelines Matrix and Factors
Sanctions are determined using an individualized assessment based on the totality of circumstances. This matrix provides guidance to support consistency; it does not eliminate discretion.
C.1 Sanctioning Factors
Decision-makers may consider:
- Nature, severity, and frequency of misconduct;
- Impact on individuals and community;
- Student’s conduct history;
- Acceptance of responsibility and cooperation;
- Mitigating circumstances;
- Aggravating factors (e.g., bias motivation, retaliation, injury, significant disruption);
- Risk of recurrence;
- Safety considerations; and
- Amnesty considerations.
C.2 Sanctioning Levels (Guidance)
| Level | Typical Conduct Examples | Presumptive Sanction Range (May Vary) |
| Level 1 - Minor | Low-impact disruption; minor policy violations; first-time low-level misconduct | Warning; educational assignment; restorative action; minor restrictions |
| Level 2 – Moderate | Repeated disruption; property damage; misuse of technology; noncompliance; lower-level alcohol violations | Reprimand; probation; educational program; restitution; restrictions/loss of privileges |
| Level 3 – Serious | Threats; significant property damage; hazing; serious alcohol/drug violations; retaliation; obstruction | Probation with restrictions; deferred suspension; suspension; restitution; no-contact/area bans |
| Level 4 – Severe | Violence; weapons; significant threats; repeated serious violations; conduct posing major safety risk | Suspension; expulsion; broad restrictions; transcript notation (where applicable) |
C.3 Sanctions by Category (Non-Exhaustive)
Status Sanctions
- Written Warning
- Disciplinary Reprimand
- Disciplinary Probation
- Deferred Suspension
- Disciplinary Suspension
- Expulsion (Permanent Dismissal)
Academic and Programmatic Sanctions
- Administrative Course Removal
- Registration Modification
- Program Suspension
- Program Dismissal
- Rescission of Admission
- Delay of Admission or Enrollment Eligibility
Educational and Restorative Sanctions
- Educational Programming
- Reflective/research assignment
- Community Service
- Restorative Resolution (voluntary when applicable)
- Substance Use Assessment (when reasonably related to the conduct)
- Behavioral/Risk Assessment
Financial Sanctions
- Restitution
- Administrative Fine (authorized under College policy)
Restrictions and Loss of Privileges
- Facility/Building Access Restrictions
- Event or Program Participation Restrictions
- Campus Housing Reassignment/Dismissal (when applicable)
- Restrictions on Access to College Technology Resources
- Removal from Leadership Role(s)
Parent/Guardian Notification
The College has the discretion and reserves the right to contact parents/guardians regarding an incident when permitted by applicable law, including FERPA.
Transcript Notation
Transcript notations may be imposed when authorized by College policy or applicable law.
Sanctions relating to Student Clubs and Organizations
As appropriate, all other sanctions listed above may be imposed on Student Clubs and Organizations for violations of this Code. The following sanctions may also be imposed on Student Clubs and Organizations:
- Organizational Written Warning
- Organizational Disciplinary Reprimand
- Organizational Disciplinary Probation
- Organizational Deferred Suspension
- Organizational Suspension
- Other Sanctions
C.4 Failure to Complete Sanctions
Failure to complete sanctions may result in additional conduct action, a conduct hold, and/or escalation of sanctions.
Appendix D - Interim Measures and Emergency Removal Standards
This Appendix provides standards for interim actions that may be used to protect safety, prevent disruption, and preserve the integrity of proceedings.
D.1 Interim Measures (Non-Disciplinary)
The College may implement interim measures when necessary based on an individualized assessment of risk. Interim measures are not a finding of responsibility and are not intended to be punitive or disciplinary in nature.
Possible interim measures include, but are not limited to:
- No-contact directives;
- Adjusted class schedules;
- Restrictions from specific buildings/areas/College premises;
- Temporary removal from specific programs, activities or events;
- Campus Housing-related adjustments (where applicable);
- Technology access limitations;
- Referrals to counseling and health resources;
- Conduct hold (registration/records) where authorized.
D.2 Interim Suspension / Emergency Removal (Non-Disciplinary)
The College may temporarily remove a student from campus, specific College property, or College-sponsored activities pending resolution when an individualized safety and risk analysis determines that the student poses an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any individual. Interim suspension or emergency removal may also be imposed:
- To ensure the safety and well-being of members of the College community or the preservation of College property;
- To ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being;
- If the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption, or interference with, the normal operations of the College; or
- For other compelling institutional reasons identified in writing by the SCO, Campus Safety or Risk Assessment Team.
Interim suspension and emergency removal are not findings of responsibility and are not intended to be punitive or disciplinary in nature.
D.3 Notice and Opportunity to Respond
When interim suspension/emergency removal is imposed, the student will receive prompt written notice of:
- The basis for the action;
- The scope and duration; and
- The process to request review.
The student will be provided an opportunity to respond as soon as reasonably practicable.
D.4 Faculty/Official Temporary Removal from Class or Activity
In situations where a student’s behavior materially and substantially disrupts a class, clinical site, or College activity, a faculty member or authorized official may direct a short-term removal from that environment to restore order or protect safety.
Such temporary removal is not a disciplinary sanction and does not constitute a responsibility finding.
The faculty member/official should notify the SCO or Dean of Students as soon as practicable. The SCO will determine whether no further action, informal resolution, or formal conduct action is appropriate.
D.5 Modifications and ADA/504 Considerations
Interim actions are based on conduct and safety risks, not a student’s disability status, in accordance with applicable law. The College will implement interim measures consistent with the ADA and Section 504 and will consider reasonable modifications as appropriate.
End of Document
Document Information
Version: 2026–2027
Effective Date: August 1, 2026
Responsible Office: Dean of Students
The most current version of this Code is maintained by the Dean of Students and is available on the Western Iowa Tech website and referenced in the Student Handbook.