Student Code of Conduct

Preamble

Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. In line with this purpose, the Board of Regents for Higher Education (“BOR”) in conjunction with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (“CSCU”) has the duty to protect the freedoms of inquiry and expression, and furthermore, has the responsibility to encourage all of its members to develop the capacity for critical judgment in their sustained and independent search for truth.

CSCU has certain self-defined institutional values. Principal among these values is respect for the safety, dignity, rights, and individuality of each member of the CSCU Community. The opportunity to live, study, and work in an institution which values diverse intellectual and cultural perspectives and encourages discussion and debate about competing ideas in an atmosphere of civility is a basic component of quality higher education.

All members of CSCU must at all times govern their social and academic interactions with tolerance and mutual respect so that the students who pass through a CSCU door are enriched by these experiences and are prepared for full and enlightened participation in a multi-cultural society. Because of the BOR’s and CSCU’s commitment to principles of pluralism, mutual respect, and civility, certain activities are not acceptable on CSCU campuses. Acts of intolerance, of hatred or violence based on race, religion, sexual orientation or expression, disability, gender, age, or ethnic background are antithetical to the BOR’s and CSCU’s fundamental principles and values. It is the BOR’s and CSCU’s responsibility to protect our students’ right to learn by establishing an environment of civility.

The disciplinary process is intended to be part of the educational mission of CSCU. Student disciplinary proceedings are not criminal proceedings and are not subject to court rules of procedure and evidence.

Introduction

This Student Code of Conduct (hereinafter the “Student Code” or “Code”) is intended to present a clear statement of student rights and responsibilities established by the Board of Regents for Higher Education. The BOR has charged the President of the Board of Regents for Higher Education with developing procedures to protect those rights and to address the abdication of responsibilities in collaboration with the four State Universities, the twelve Community Colleges and Charter Oak State College. The Student Code describes the types of acts that are not acceptable in an academic community.

Disclaimer: This Code is neither a contract nor an offer of a contract between any BOR governed institution and any student. The provisions of this Code are subject to revision at any time.

Part A: Definitions

The following list of defined terms utilized throughout this Student Code is provided in an effort to facilitate a more thorough understanding of the Code. This list is not intended to be a complete list of all the terms referenced in the Student Code that might require interpretation or clarification. The Vice President for Student Affairs at a University, the Dean of Students at a Community College, the Provost at Charter Oak State College or their designee shall make the final decision of the interpretation of the definition of any term found in the Student Code. For purposes of interpretation and application of the Student Code only, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1. “Accused Student” means any student accused of violating this Student Code.
2. “Advisor” means a person who accompanies an Accused Student or an alleged victim to a hearing (or a proceeding pertaining to a report of sexual violence) for the limited purpose of providing advice and guidance to the student. An advisor may not directly address the Hearing Body, question witnesses, or otherwise actively participate in the hearing process (or other proceeding pertaining to a report of sexual violence).
3. “Appellate Body” means any person or persons authorized by the University Vice President for Student Affairs, Community College Dean of Students, Charter Oak State College Provost or their designee to consider an appeal from a determination by a Hearing Body that a student has violated the Student Code.
4. “Calendar Days” means the weekdays (Mondays through Fridays) when the University or College is open.
5. “College” means either collectively or singularly any of the following institutions: Asnuntuck Community College, Capital Community College, Gateway Community College, Housatonic Community College, Manchester Community College, Middlesex Community College, Naugatuck Valley Community College, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Norwalk Community College, Quinebaug Valley Community College, Three Rivers Community College, Tunxis Community College, and Charter Oak State College.
6. “Complainant(s)” means the person(s) who initiates a complaint by alleging that a Student(s) violated the Code.
7. “CSCU” means either collectively or singularly, any of the following institutions: Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University; Asnuntuck Community College, Capital Community College, Gateway Community College, Housatonic Community College, Manchester Community College, Middlesex Community College, Naugatuck Valley Community College, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Norwalk Community College, Quinebaug Valley Community College, Three Rivers Community College, Tunxis Community College, and Charter Oak State College.
8. “CSCU Affiliates” means individuals and/or entities with whom or with which the College or University has a contractual relationship.
9. “CSCU Official” means any person employed by the College or University to perform assigned administrative, instructional, or professional responsibilities.
10. “CSCU Premises” means all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of, or owned, used, and/or controlled by, the University or College, either solely or in conjunction with another entity.
11. “Disciplinary Officer” or “Conduct Administrator” means a University, College or CSCU official who is authorized to determine the appropriate resolution of an alleged violation of the Code, and/or to impose sanctions or affect other remedies as appropriate. Subject to the provisions of this Code, a disciplinary officer or conduct administrator is vested with the authority to, among other duties: investigate a complaint of an alleged violation of the Code decline to pursue a complaint, refer identified disputants to mediation or other appropriate avenues of resolution, establish charges against a student, enter into an administrative agreement developed with an Accused Student in accordance with Section II-B-3 of this Code, advise a Hearing Body, and present the case before the Hearing Body.
12. “Hearing Body” or “Hearing Panel” means any person or persons authorized by the University Vice President for Student Affairs, Community College Dean of Students or Charter Oak State College Provost to determine whether a student has violated the Code and to impose sanctions as warranted, including a hearing officer or hearing board.
13. “Institution” means the University or College within CSCU.
14. “Instructor” means any faculty member, teaching assistant or any other person authorized by the University to provide educational services, including, but not limited to, teaching, research, and academic advising.
15. “Member of the CSCU Community” means any person who is a student, an official or any other person who works for CSCU, either directly or indirectly (e.g., for a private enterprise doing business on a CSCU campus).
16. “Policy” means the written regulations, standards, and student conduct expectations adopted by the BOR and found in, but not limited to the Student Handbook, the Residence Life Handbook, the housing contract, the graduate and undergraduate catalogs, and other publicized University and College notices.
17. “Prohibited Conduct” means the conduct prohibited by this Code, as more particularly described in Part I-D of this Code.
18. “Reporting Party” means any person who alleges that a student has violated this Code.
19. “Student” means either (1) any person admitted, registered, enrolled or attending any CSCU course or CSCU conducted program, whether full-time or part- time, and whether pursuing undergraduate, graduate or professional studies, or continuing education; (2) any person who is not officially enrolled for a particular term but who has a continuing relationship with a CSCU; or (3) any person within two calendar years after the conclusion of their last registered Community College course unless the student has formally withdrawn, graduated or been expelled from the College.
20. “Student Code” or “Code” means this Student Code of Conduct.
21. “Student Organization” means an association or group of persons that have complied with the formal requirements for University or College recognition.
22. “Support Person” means a person, who accompanies an Accused Student, a Reporting Party or a victim to a hearing for the limited purpose of providing support and guidance. A support person may not directly address the Hearing Body, question witnesses, or otherwise actively participate in the hearing process.
23. “University” means any of the following institutions: Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Western Connecticut State University, whichever the alleged violation of the Code occurred.
24. “Shall” and “will” are used in the imperative sense.
25. “May” is used in the permissive sense.

Part B: Application, Distribution and Administration of the Student Code of Conduct

1. Application of the Student Code: The Student Code shall apply to the four Connecticut State Universities, the twelve Community Colleges, and the on-line college: Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University; Asnuntuck Community College, Capital Community College, Gateway Community College, Housatonic Community College, Manchester Community College, Middlesex Community College, Naugatuck Valley Community College, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Norwalk Community College, Quinebaug Valley Community College, Three Rivers Community College, Tunxis Community College, and Charter Oak State College.
   
   An alleged violation of the Student Code shall be addressed in accordance with the Code of Conduct, even if the accused Student has withdrawn from the Institution prior to the completion of the disciplinary procedures.
   
   The Student Code shall apply to Students and to University Student Organizations. The term “student” shall generally apply to the student as an individual and to a Student Organization as a single entity. The officers or leaders of a particular Student Organization usually will be expected to represent the organization during the disciplinary process. Nothing in this Student Code shall preclude holding certain members of a Student Organization accountable for their individual acts committed in the context of or in association with the organization’s alleged violation of this Code.
    
2. Distribution of the Student Code: The Student Code shall be made readily available electronically and/or in a printed publication to students, faculty and staff. The office responsible for Student Affairs will annually distribute and make available to students, faculty and staff, electronically and/or in a printed publication, any revisions to the Code.
3. Administration of the Student Code: A University’s and Charter Oak State College’s Provost or a Community College’s Dean of Students shall be the person designated by the institution President to be responsible for the administration of the Academic Misconduct portion of the Student Code. A University’s Vice President for Student Affairs, a Community College’s Dean of Students, or Charter Oak State College’s Provost shall be the person designated by the institution President to be responsible for the administration of the Non-Academic Misconduct portion of the Student Code.

Part C: Scope of Authority

A Student who is found responsible for engaging in conduct that violates the Student Code on any CSCU campus or on property controlled by the BOR or by any CSCU Affiliate or any CSCU sponsored function or event shall be subject to the sanctions described in this Code. The Student Code of Conduct also applies to online activities, where applicable. Students who attempt to engage in conduct that violates this Code, who knowingly encourage, aid or assist another person in engaging in such conduct, or who agree with another person, explicitly or otherwise, to engage in such conduct, may also be subject to disciplinary action.

Off-campus misconduct by University students may be subject to the jurisdiction of the University and addressed through its disciplinary procedures if one of the following conditions is met: (i) a Student engages in prohibited conduct at an official University event, at a University-sanctioned event, or at an event sponsored by a recognized University Student Organization; or (ii) a Student engages in prohibited conduct under such circumstances that reasonable grounds exist for believing that the Accused Student poses a threat to the life, health or safety of any member of the CSCU or to the property of the CSCU.

Community College students conduct is subject to the Code on campus and off-campus whenever such conduct impairs College-related activities or affairs of another member of the College community or creates a risk of harm to a member or members of the College community. Students must be aware that, as citizens, they are subject to all federal and state laws in addition to all CSCU regulations governing student conduct and responsibilities. Students do not relinquish their rights nor do they shed their responsibilities as citizens by becoming members of the CSCU Community. However, where a court of law has found a student to have violated the law, an institution has the right to impose the sanctions of this Code even though the conduct does not impair institution-related activities of another member of the university or college community and does not create a risk of harm to the college or university community. The decision to exercise this right will be in the sole discretion of the President of the impacted institution or his/her designee.

Charter Oak State College applies this Code to matriculated and non-matriculated students, including those participating in portfolio assessment, credential evaluation, testing, or contract learning. Jurisdiction shall be limited to student conduct that occurs while students are taking Charter Oak State College courses or availing themselves of Charter Oak State College services. However, if a matriculated Charter Oak State College student is found guilty of student misconduct at another institution, including but not limited to misrepresentation of records from other institutions, the student may be subject to disciplinary action at Charter Oak State College.

Part D: Prohibited Conduct

The following list of behaviors is intended to represent the types of acts that constitute violations of this Code.

1. Academic misconduct, which includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism and all forms of cheating.
   
   Plagiarism is defined as the submission of work by a student for academic credit as one’s own work of authorship which contains work of another author without appropriate attribution.
   
   Cheating includes, but is not limited to: (i) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests or examinations; (ii) use of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems or carrying out other assignments; (iii) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff; and (iv) engaging in any other behavior specifically prohibited by a faculty member in the course syllabus.
    
2. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:
   1. Misuse of University or College documents, including, but not limited to forging, transferring, altering or otherwise misusing a student fee card, student payroll card, identification card or other College or University identification document, course registration document, schedule card, transcript, or any other institution-issued document or record.
   2. Knowingly furnishing false information to any CSCU Official, faculty member or office.
3. Theft of property or services, or damage to, defacement or destruction of, or tampering with, real or personal property owned by the State of Connecticut, CSCU/BOR, the institution, or any member of the CSCU Community.
4. Actual or threatened physical assault or abuse, threatening behavior, intimidation, or coercion.
5. Sexual misconduct may include engaging in one of more behaviors:
   1. Sexual harassment, which can include any unwelcome sexual advance or request for sexual favors, or any conduct of a sexual nature when submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s education; submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for academic decisions affecting the individual; or such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment. Examples of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment include but are not limited to:
      • sexual flirtation, touching, advances or propositions
      • verbal abuse of a sexual nature
      • pressure to engage in sexual activity
      • graphic or suggestive comments about an individual’s dress or appearance
      • use of sexually degrading words to describe an individual
      • display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures or photographs
      • sexual jokes
      • stereotypic comments based upon gender
      • threats, demands or suggestions that retention of one’s educational status is contingent upon toleration of or acquiescence in sexual advances.
   2. Sexual assault shall include but is not limited to a sexual act directed against another person when that person is not capable of giving consent, which shall mean the voluntary agreement by a person in the possession and exercise of sufficient mental capacity to make a deliberate choice to do something proposed by another.
      
      A person who initially consents to sexual activity shall be deemed not to have consented to any such activity which occurs after that consent is withdrawn. Consent cannot be assumed because there is no physical resistance or other negative response. A lack of consent may result from mental incapacity (e.g., ingestion of alcohol or drugs which significantly impair awareness or judgment) or physical incapacity (e.g., the person is unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate consent). Consent must be affirmative. (See Sexual Misconduct Reporting, Support Services and Processes Policy).
      
      Sexual assault is further defined in sections 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-70b, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b and 53a-73a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
       
   3. Sexual exploitation occurs when a person takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for anyone’s advantage or benefit other than the person being exploited, and that behavior does not otherwise constitute one of the preceding sexual misconduct offenses. Examples of behavior that could rise to the level of sexual exploitation include:
      • Prostituting another person;
      • Non-consensual visual (e.g., video, photograph) or audiorecording of sexual activity;
      • Non-consensual distribution of photos, other images, or information of an individual’s sexual activity, intimate body parts, or nakedness, with the intent to or having the effect of embarrassing an individual who is the subject of such images or information;
      • Going beyond the bounds of consent (such as letting your friends hide in the closet to watch you having consensual sex);
      • Engaging in non-consensual voyeurism;
      • Knowingly transmitting an STI, such as HIV to another without disclosing your STI status;
      • Exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual circumstances, or inducing another to expose his or her genitals; or
      • Possessing, distributing, viewing or forcing others to view illegal pornography.
6. Intimate partner violence is defined as:
   • Including intimate partner violence, which is any physical or sexual harm against an individual by a current or former spouse or by a partner in a dating relationship that results from (1) sexual assault, as defined in section 5 above; (2) sexual assault in a spousal or cohabiting relationship; (3) domestic violence; (4) sexual harassment, as defined in section 5 above or, (5) sexual exploitation, as defined in section 5 above.
   • Physical abuse, which can include but is not limited to, slapping, pulling hair or punching.
   • Threat of abuse, which can include but is not limited to, threatening to hit, harm or use a weapon on another (whether victim or acquaintance, friend or family member of the victim) or other forms of verbal threat.
   • Emotional abuse, which can include but is not limited to, damage to one’s property, driving recklessly to scare someone, name calling, threatening to hurt one’s family members or pets and humiliating another person.
7. Violations of privacy, including, but not limited to, voyeurism and the use of web-based, electronic or other devices to make a photographic, audio or video record of any person without his or her express consent, when such a recording is intended or likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to: (i) surreptitiously taking pictures or videos of another person in spaces such as sleeping areas, bathrooms, gymnasiums, locker rooms, and changing areas; and (ii) sexually exploiting another person by electronically recording or permitting others to view or electronically record, consensual sexual activity without a partner’s knowledge or permitting others to view or listen to such video or audio tapes without a partner’s knowledge and consent. Publicizing or threatening to publicize such records will also be considered a violation of this Code.
8. Hazing, which is defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a Student, or which destroys, damages, or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense to an allegation of hazing. Consenting to the activity by remaining silent or not objecting in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act and is also a violation of this Student Code.
9. Stalking, which is defined as repeatedly contacting another person when:
   1. The contacting person knows or should know that the contact is unwanted by the other person; and
   2. The contact causes the other person reasonable apprehension of imminent physical harm or the contacting person knows or should know that the contact causes substantial impairment of the other person’s ability to perform the activities of daily life.
      
      As used in this definition, the term “contacting” includes, but is not limited to, communicating with (including internet communication via e-mail, instant message, on- line community or any other internet communication) or remaining in the physical presence of the other person.
10. Harassment, which is defined as conduct which is abusive or which interferes with a person’s pursuit of his or her customary or usual affairs, including, but not limited to, such conduct when directed toward an individual or group because of race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or expression, age, physical attribute, or physical or mental disability or disorder, including learning disabilities and mental retardation.
11. Conduct that is disorderly, lewd or indecent (including, but not limited to, public nudity and sexual activity in areas generally open to members of the campus community), breach of peace or aiding, abetting or procuring another person to breach the peace on CSCU premises or at functions sponsored by, or affiliated with the University or College.
12. Behavior or activity which endangers the health, safety, or wellbeing of oneself or others.
13. Offensive or disorderly conduct which causes interference, annoyance or alarm or recklessly creates a risk thereof at CSCU or CSCU premises, CSCU web or social media sites, at a CSCUsponsored activity or in college or university courses, including cyber bullying. This offense does not apply to speech or other forms of constitutionally protected expression.
14. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys (including, but not limited to, card access, card keys, fobs, etc.) to any CSCU premises or forcible and/or unauthorized entry on or into CSCU premises.
15. Starting fires, causing explosions, falsely reporting the presence of fire, bombs, incendiary or explosive devices, or falsely reporting an emergency.
16. Unauthorized or improper possession, use, removal, tampering or disabling of fire and/or safety equipment and warning devices, failure to follow standard fire and/or emergency safety procedures, or interference with fire fighting or emergency response equipment or personnel.
17. Use, possession, purchase, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by law and CSCU regulations. Alcoholic beverages may not, under any circumstances, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.
18. Use, possession, purchase, sale, distribution or manufacturing of narcotics, controlled substances and/or drugs, including, but not limited to, marijuana and heroin, or drug paraphernalia, except as expressly permitted by law.
19. Use, possession or distribution of firearms, ammunition for firearms, other weapons or dangerous instruments, facsimiles of weapons or firearms, fireworks, explosives or dangerous chemicals. A dangerous instrument is any instrument, article or substance that, under the circumstances in which it is being utilized, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury. The possession of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument on campus is strictly prohibited, even if such item is legally owned.
20. Gambling, including, but not limited to, promoting, wagering, receiving monies for wagering or gambling for money or property on CSCU premises.
21. Disruption or obstruction of any College or University function, activity or event, whether it occurs on or off the campus, or of any non-University or College function, activity or event which is authorized by the institution to occur on its premises.
22. Intentional obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on CSCU premises or at University or College-sponsored or supervised functions or interference with entry into or exit from CSCU premises or with the free movement of any person.
23. Failure to comply with the directions of CSCU officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
24. Conduct that violates published BOR/CSCU policies, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to, residence hall rules and regulations.
25. Conduct prohibited by any federal, state, and/or local law, regulation or ordinance.
26. Unauthorized use of CSCU property or the property of members of the CSCU Community or of CSCU Affiliates.
27. Theft, unauthorized use, or abuse of University or College computers and/or peripheral systems and networks, including, but not limited to:
    1. Unauthorized access to CSCU computer programs or files;
    2. Unauthorized alteration, transfer or duplication of CSCU computer programs or files;
    3. Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and/ or password;
    4. Deliberate disruption of the operation of CSCU computer systems and networks;
    5. Use of the Institution’s computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws (including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing of copyrighted material, including, but not limited to, copyrighted music, movies, and software);
    6. Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene messages (which are defined as messages which appeal mainly to a prurient, shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, excretion, sadism or masochism, go well beyond customary limits of candor in describing or representing such matters, and are utterly without redeeming social value); and
    7. Violation of the BOR Policy Statement on Acceptable and responsible use of Information Technology resources and/or any applicable BOR computer use policy.
28. Abuse of the CSCU conduct and disciplinary system, including but not limited to:
    1. Failure to obey the notice from a Hearing Body or CSCU Official to appear for a meeting or hearing as part of the Student Conduct system;
    2. Falsification, distortion, or intentional misrepresentation of information to a Disciplinary Officer or Conduct Administrator, or before a Hearing Body;
    3. Initiation of a conduct or disciplinary proceeding knowingly without cause;
    4. Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a disciplinary proceeding;
    5. Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the disciplinary system;
    6. Attempting to influence the impartiality of a Disciplinary Officer, Conduct Administrator or member of a Hearing Body prior to, and/or during the course of, the disciplinary proceeding;
    7. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a Disciplinary Officer, Conduct Administrator, or member of a Hearing Body prior to, and/or during the course of the disciplinary proceeding;
    8. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code; and
    9. Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the disciplinary system.

Part E: Hearing Procedures for Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Intimate Partner, Domestic Violence & Stalking Reports

In addition to disciplinary procedures applicable to State University students in Section II, Community College students in Section III, or Charter Oak State College Students in Section IV, for any hearing conducted involving allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking and intimate partner violence the reported victim and the accused student shall each have the following rights:

1. At any meeting or proceeding, both the reported victim and accused student may be accompanied by an advisor or support person of the student’s choice provided the advisor or support person does not cause a scheduled meeting or hearing to be delayed or postponed and provided an advisor or support person may not directly address the Hearing Body, question witnesses, or otherwise actively participate in the hearing process (or other proceeding or pertaining to a report of sexual misconduct);
2. The reported victim of sexual misconduct is entitled to request that disciplinary proceedings begin promptly;
3. Any hearing regarding an accusation of sexual misconduct shall (i) be fair, prompt and impartial; (ii) be conducted by a Hearing Body annually trained in issues relating to sexual misconduct (iii) use the preponderance of evidence (more likely than not ) standard; (iv) shall allow both the accused student and reported victim the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses on their behalf during any disciplinary proceeding; (v) shall provide both the accused student and the reported victim with equal access to any information that will be used during meetings and hearings; and (vi) invoke the standard of “affirmative consent” in determining whether consent to engage in sexual activity was given by all persons who engaged in sexual activity.
4. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the accused student and the reported victim have the right to keep their identities confidential;
5. Any reported victim shall be provided written notice of the decision of the Hearing Body at the same time as the accused student, normally within one (1) business day after the conclusion of the Hearing. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) the notice to any reported victim of sexual misconduct shall contain only the following: the name of the accused student, the violation committed, if any, and any sanction imposed against the accused student.
6. The reported victim shall have the same right to request a review of the decision of the Hearing Body (appeal rights) in the same manner and on the same basis as shall the accused student; however, if a request for review by a reported victim is determined to be properly made and if the review determines there is sufficient grounds for altering the decision of the Hearing Body, among the other actions that may be taken as set forth above, the sanction of the hearing may also be increased. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in any hearing pertaining to sexual misconduct both the reported victim and the accused student are entitled to be simultaneously provided notice of any change in the results of the hearing prior to the time when the results become final as well as to be notified when such results become final.

¹The standard of “Affirmative Consent” is set forth in the BOR Sexual Misconduct Reporting, Support Services and Processes Policy and is incorporated herein by reference.

Part F: Conduct and Disciplinary Records

The written decision resulting from an administrative conference or a hearing under this Code shall become part of the student’s educational record and shall be subject to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). A student’s disciplinary record shall be maintained separately from any other academic or official file maintained by the Institution. Disciplinary records will be maintained for a period of five (5) years from the date of the incident, except that the sanction of expulsion shall be noted permanently.

While student education records are generally protected from disclosure by FERPA, there are a number of exceptions to this rule. Students should be aware that a record concerning his/her behavior while a student at the College or University may be shared with other colleges or universities to which the student may subsequently wish to transfer or be admitted. Similarly, prospective employers may require a student to provide access to his/her education records as part of the employment application process. A record of having been sanctioned for conduct that violates Section I.D. of the Code may disqualify a student for admission to another college or university, and may interfere with his/her selection for employment.

Part G: Interpretation and Revision

Questions regarding the interpretation of this Code shall be referred to the University’s and Charter Oak State College’s Provost or a Community College’s Dean of Students or their designees for the administration of the Non-Academic Misconduct portion of the Student Code and to the University’s Vice President for Student Affairs, a Community College’s Dean of Academic Affairs or Charter Oak State College’s Provost or their designees for the administration of the Academic Misconduct portion of the Student Code.

This Code shall be reviewed and revised, if and as necessary, every five (5) years, or as directed by the President of the Board of Regents for Higher Education.