Tuition, fees, and refunds for St. Charles Community College shall be reviewed by Administration, approved by the Board of Trustees, and included in the Schedule of Tuition, Fees, and Refunds for Credit Classes.

Content Owner: Administrative Services
Issued: 08/1993
Revised: 08/2009, 11/2010, 02/2011, 03/2011, 03/2012, 06/2012, 03/2013, 02/2014, 03/2015, 06/2015, 04/2016, 06/2016, 03/2017, 07/2017, 03/2018, 03/2019, 10/2019, 12/2019, 03/2020, 03/2021, 04/2021 (policy number change)

Tuition, fees, and refunds for St. Charles Community College are listed on the following document:

Discounts and Status Waivers
Any Missouri resident 65 years of age or older on or before August 1 of an academic year may enroll in courses for college credit, on a space available basis, with a tuition-free scholarship which does not include course fees or books. Proof of age is required at the time of registration. All tuition-free courses may be taken on either a credit or audit basis. All course prerequisites must be met prior to registration.

Out-of-District status will be waived for an individual whose tuition and fees are being paid by an in-district business, company, or organization. To qualify for the above waiver, the student must provide a letter from the employer on company letterhead stating that the tuition is employer paid.
Active Duty Military, Veterans, and Eligible Dependents Using VA Benefits

Missouri Returning Heroes Act
In compliance with the Missouri Returning Heroes Act, tuition charged to combat veterans will be limited to fifty dollars per credit hour. Eligibility is determined for any program leading to an undergraduate certificate, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree. A “combat veteran” is any person who served in armed combat after September 11, 2001, who was a Missouri resident when first entering the military and who was discharged from military service under honorable conditions.

To apply, a copy of the student’s most recent DD-214 (long form) and the Returning Heroes Education Act Application must be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services located in the Administrative Building, Room 1204. The Office of Enrollment Services will determine the amount, if any, that tuition will be reduced.

Active Duty Military
In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act, in-state tuition rates will be charged for any member of the armed forces who is on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and whose domicile or permanent duty station is in the State of Missouri. Eligibility is also extended to the service member’s spouse or dependents. The in-state rate will apply so long as the service member, their spouse or dependent is continuously enrolled at St. Charles Community College, notwithstanding a subsequent change in the permanent duty station of the service member to a location outside of Missouri.

Military Veterans and Eligible Dependents Using VA Benefits
In compliance with Public Law 114-315, known as the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016, Section 417, St. Charles Community College will charge in-state rates for military veterans who meet any of the following criteria:

• Anyone using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill – Active Duty Program), Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment), or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill) of Title 38, United States Code, who lives in Missouri while attending a school located in Missouri (regardless of his/her formal State of Residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Missouri while attending a school located in Missouri (regardless of his/her formal State of Residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
  A spouse or dependent using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9) who lives in Missouri while attending a school located in Missouri (regardless of his/her formal State of Residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the Service member’s death in the line of duty following a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three year period following discharge or death as described above and must be using educational benefits under either Chapter 30, Chapter 31, or Chapter 33, of Title 38, United States Code.
• Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Missouri while attending a school located in Missouri (regardless of his/her formal State of Residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.

Content Owner: Administrative Services
Issued: 08/1993
Revised: 08/2009, 11/2010, 02/2011, 03/2011, 03/2012, 06/2012, 03/2013, 02/2014, 03/2015, 06/2015, 04/2016, 06/2016, 03/2017, 07/2017, 03/2018, 03/2019,  03/2020, 03/2021, 04/2021 (policy number change)

St. Charles Community College shall offer a comprehensive program of financial aid.  The financial aid  program will include need and/or merit based financial aid in compliance with all federal and state regulations, and scholarships to eligible students. The financial aid program shall be administered by the College’s Office of Financial Aid.  Internal scholarship criteria and availability shall be governed by Administrative Procedures.  

Internal practices and procedures will promote responsible stewardship of College resources and funds. The College will respond to allegations of impropriety by investigating the allegations and protecting those individuals who have, in good faith, reported alleged illegal or improper activities.

Content Owner: Human Resources
Issued: 12/2006
Revised: 10/2009, 03/2019

Reporting Illegal or Improper Activities
Any employee or student having knowledge or good faith suspicion of illegal or improper activities may report the activities to any of the following Administrative Officers:

College President
Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building, Office 2104
636-922-8380

Vice President for Academic Affairs
Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building, Office 2110
636-922-8356

Vice President for Administrative Services
Administrative Building, Office 3121
636-922-8359

Vice President for Human Resources
Administration Building, Office 1242
636-922-8300

Vice President for Marketing and Student Life
Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building, Office 2108
636-922-8277

Chief Information Officer
Administration Building, Office 3103
636-922-8607

The Administrative Officer receiving the report of illegal or improper activity must disclose the report to the Board of Trustees and will disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to any State or Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations potentially affecting a State or Federal award.

In situations where administrative involvement is suspected in an alleged impropriety, a report may be made to the President of the Board of Trustees.

It is preferred that allegations of illegal or improper activity be made in writing, but they may be made verbally. Reports should contain as many specifics as possible to assist in investigation of the actions. Allegations may be made anonymously. All complaints will be investigated promptly and discreetly, and corrective action will be taken as necessary.

In addition to internal reporting procedures as outlined above, any employee or student who has information concerning alleged illegal or improper activity may make a good faith report of the conduct to the appropriate government agency. This report will be considered a protected disclosure.

Protection from Retaliatory Conduct
Retaliation will not be tolerated against any College employee or student who in good faith makes a protected disclosure or who refuses to obey an illegal or improper directive. No College employee may use the influence of his or her position to interfere with or discourage another employee or student from making a protected disclosure.

Any employee or student who believes he or she has been the victim of retaliatory conduct in response to a protected disclosure or refusal to engage in illegal or improper activity should report the retaliation to any of the Administrative Officers listed above. In the event there is suspected administrative involvement in the retaliation, a report may be made to the President of the Board of Trustees.

False Reports
While retaliation against an employee or student making a good faith disclosure is not tolerated, disciplinary action may be taken against an employee or student who discloses information which he or she knows to be false or who does not have a reasonable belief for making the disclosure.

Term Definitions

• A “good faith” report of illegal or improper activity is information that a reasonable person, based on the facts and circumstances, could believe to be true and accurate.
• A good faith report of illegal or improper activity as outlined in the procedures above is defined as a “protected disclosure.”

Content Owner: Human Resources
Issued: 12/2006
Revised: 10/2009, 03/2019

Students reported as “never attended” during the reporting period may be administratively withdrawn pursuant to “never attended” procedures; however, students should not assume they will be withdrawn for non-attendance.

Students and student organizations shall observe St. Charles Community College policies and procedures; comply with local, state, and federal laws; and conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the College's mission. Students are subject to disciplinary sanctions for misconduct.

Students are expected to exhibit academic integrity by being honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. 

Content Owner: Academic Affairs

Issued: 08/1993

Revised: 05/2009, 12/2010, 04/2012, 05/2012, 08/2012, 01/2013 05/2013, 05/2014, 08/2015, 

11/2015, 2/24

Student Conduct Expectations
Upon admission to the College or program, students assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the College's function as an educational institution and to comply with the laws enacted by federal, state, and local governments. If this obligation is ignored, the College must institute appropriate discipline. Students may be subject to disciplinary sanctions for conduct that constitutes a hazard to the health, safety, or well-being of members of the College community or which is detrimental to the College’s interest whether such conduct occurs on campus, off campus, or at College-sponsored events.

St. Charles Community College will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies and reserves the right to initiate disciplinary proceedings for violations of College policies and procedures, even if criminal charges are brought forward by the appropriate authorities. Disciplinary actions by St. Charles Community College are independent of any criminal or civil proceedings.

Examples of misconduct that may subject the student to discipline include, but are not limited to: 

• Academic dishonesty or misconduct, such as cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or facilitating academic dishonesty

• Forgery, alteration, or misuse of College documents, records, or identification

• Theft of, damage to, or destruction of College property or property of employees, students, or visitors

• Unauthorized surveys or other means to obtain information from students or employees

• Violating copyright agreements

• Unauthorized entry to or use of College facilities, properties, equipment, resources, or services

• Giving false or misleading information in response to requests from College officials, knowingly furnishing false information or reporting a false emergency to the College, or failing to comply with directions of College officials acting in the performance of their duties

• Unauthorized possession, receipt, duplication, or use of the College’s name, insignia, or seal

• Obstruction or disruption of College-authorized activities

• Dressing or personally appearing in a manner that disturbs a classroom, instructional activity, or other College activity

• Disorderly conduct, obscene expressions, or infringement upon the rights of others at College-authorized activities

• Participating in or inciting a disturbance of the peace or unlawful assembly

• Physical abuse of any person on College-owned or controlled property or at College-authorized activities, threats of violence, or conduct that threatens the health or safety of any person(s)

• Actions on College-owned or controlled property or at College-authorized activities, which threaten or endanger one's own safety, health, or life, or making any verbal threat of such action. This includes such behaviors as suicide attempts, cutting, or refusing treatment for life-threatening illnesses or conditions

• Engaging in discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual violence (Article I.07 Sexual Harassment; Article IV.01 Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity; Article VI.01 Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity)

• Manufacture, use, possession, distribution, dispensing, or sale of alcohol, controlled substances, illegal drugs or substances, except as expressly permitted by law and College policy (Article I.06 Drug-Free Environment)

• Misuse or abuse of prescription drugs on College-owned or controlled property or at College-authorized activities

• Use of tobacco products on campus 

• Possession, use, or storage of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, weapons, or other destructive devices on College property, College-controlled property, or at College-authorized activities, including possession of a firearm by a student who holds a conceal-and-carry permit or endorsement 

• The operation of student organizations not properly recognized and registered

• Hazing, any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a campus organization, or any activity engaged in by the organization or members of the organization, which causes or is likely to cause physical or mental harm, personal degradation, or disgrace

• Unapproved solicitation 

• Conduct that adversely affects the student’s suitability as a member of the academic community

• Violation of College policies or regulations.

Definitions
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct is the intentional violation of College policies by tampering with grades or taking part in obtaining or distributing any part of an unadministered test. 

 

Examples: 

• Stealing, buying, or otherwise obtaining all or part of an unadministered test

• Selling or giving away all or part of an unadministered test including answers to an unadministered test

• Bribing any other person to obtain an unadministered test or any information about the test

• Entering a building or office for the purpose of obtaining an unadministered test or changing a grade in a grade book, on a test, or on other work for which a grade is given

• Changing or being an accessory to the changing of a grade in a grade book, on a test, a Change of Grade form, or other official academic records of the College

 

Cheating
Cheating is an act of deception by which a student misrepresents mastery of information on an academic exercise. 

 

Examples: 

• Copying from another student's test paper

• Allowing another student to copy from a test paper

• Using the course textbook or other material such as a notebook brought to a class meeting but not authorized for use during a test

• Collaborating during a test with any other person by receiving information without authority

• Using specifically prepared materials during a test (e.g. notes, text messages, formula lists, notes written on the student's clothing, or body, etc.)

• Unauthorized use of generative Artificial Intelligence to submit works as one’s own

 

Fabrication
Fabrication is the intentional use of invented information or the falsification of research or other findings with the intent to deceive. 

Examples: 

• Citation of information not taken from the source indicated

• Listing sources in a bibliography not used in the academic exercise

• Inventing data or source information for research or other academic exercise

 

Forgery
Forgery is the process, of making, adapting, or imitating objects or documents with the intent to deceive. 

 

Examples: 

• Submitting as your own any academic exercise (e.g. written work, printing, sculpture, etc.) prepared totally or in part by another

• Taking a test for someone else or permitting someone else to take a test for you

 

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the inclusion of someone else's words, ideas, or data as one's own work. When a student submits work for credit that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific documentation, and, if verbatim statements are included, through separation from the rest of the paper by indentation or quotation marks as well. By submitting work for credit, the student certifies the originality of all work not otherwise identified by appropriate acknowledgments. 

A student will avoid being charged with plagiarism if there is an acknowledgement of indebtedness: 

• Whenever one quotes another person’s actual words

• Whenever one uses another person’s idea, opinion, or theory, even if it is completely paraphrased in one’s own words

• Whenever one borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials – unless the information is common knowledge

• Whenever one uses generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce work for course submissions

Sexual Violence
For purposes of this policy, Sexual Violence collectively refers to the terms “sexual assault,” “domestic violence,” “dating violence,” “stalking,” and “sexual exploitation” as defined in Article I.07 Sexual Harassment and Article VI.01 Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity. 

Supplemental Information
What can students do to protect themselves from being charged with academic dishonesty? 

• Prepare thoroughly for examinations and assignments

• Take the initiative to prevent other students from copying your exam or assignments, e.g. shield your answer sheet during exams; do not lend assignments to be turned in to other students, etc.

• Refer to the course syllabus for information regarding academic honesty or ask the faculty member for guidance

• Do not look in the direction of other students’ papers during examinations

• Use a recognized handbook for instruction on citing source materials. Consult with individual faculty, academic departments, or the library reference staff when in doubt

• Use the services of the Academic and Career Enhancement (ACE) Center

• Refuse to assist students who cheat

Violations of Academic Integrity
Violations of academic integrity are resolved within the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. It is intended that resolution take place at the lowest possible administrative level preserving both the integrity of the College and the dignity of the student. The following discipline may be taken if a student is determined to be guilty of academic dishonesty:

Faculty Options: 

• Repeating the assignment or completing an alternative one

• Issuing a warning or providing counseling

• Assigning a grade of “I” until the alleged violation is adjudicated

• Giving a failing grade for the assignment

• Assigning a grade of “F” for the course

• Where faculty assign a grade of “F” for the assignment or the course, a report will be sent to the appropriate chair and dean. A database of student violations will be managed by the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX.

 

Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Option: 

• Multiple or extremely serious violations may result in disenrollment from the College.

The student may appeal the discipline assessed by the faculty member to the program coordinator and/or department chair and the decision of the program coordinator and/or department chair to the division dean. Either party may contest the dean’s decision by submitting an appeal in writing, prior to the last day of the following semester (i.e. fall or spring), to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, whose decision is final. The Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs will determine if disenrollment from the college is an option and will ensure that due process has been provided to the student.

Withdrawing from the course will not prevent the faculty member, program coordinator, department chair, division dean or the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs from imposing sanctions, or recommending grade penalties, including a failing grade in the course. 

Grade Grievances
Students with concerns about grades should ask the instructor for clarification/resolution. Concerns about final grades must be expressed prior to the last day of the following semester (i.e. fall or spring). If, after contacting the instructor, the student still has concerns, the student should contact the program coordinator or department chair who will work with the student and the instructor to resolve the matter. If the department is unable to remedy the situation, the student should contact the division dean. If the resolution is unsatisfactory, the student may submit an appeal in writing to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, 12CH 2110. Anonymous calls or unsigned letters will not be acknowledged. Only concerns expressed by the individual student involved will be addressed. 

Behavioral Misconduct
Inappropriate student behavior in the classroom or on campus has the potential to disrupt the teaching and learning process. In a classroom situation, the faculty member is the first person available to regain order and prevent further disruption. Having a disability does not preclude the expectation that a student will adhere to appropriate behavior while on campus. If behavior negatively impacts instruction or learning opportunities of other students, it becomes a conduct issue and should be addressed per the college conduct policy. Guidelines are available to faculty so they can assure that the rights and safety of the faculty, students, and institution are protected. The guidelines are based upon the level of disruption, from low to high, which can include the immediate suspension of the student from the class for that day. For disruptions outside the classroom, the Dean of Student Success or the Department of Public Safety (DPS) should be notified immediately. Behavioral misconduct may be referred to DPS, who will involve other authorities, as appropriate. DPS should be called at extension 8545 immediately if: 

• An incident exists that has the potential of being life threatening and/or causing serious property damage

• An incident that is potentially dangerous is recognized and the need for police is necessary for the safety and welfare of others on the campus

• Any crime is witnessed or reported requiring official reports and notification to state and federal authorities

The institutional expectation is that students will conduct themselves in a manner that is acceptable in a learning environment. Behavior that endangers or infringes on the rights and safety of others is not acceptable. It is intended that resolution should take place at the lowest possible administrative level. The faculty will consult with the respective program coordinator, department chair and division dean who will assist the faculty member and student with resolution alternatives.  Documentation of the disruption will be collected from the parties involved to gather facts and to ensure that the interests and needs of all parties are considered.

The Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX is the primary administrator of discipline for unacceptable conduct or for conduct which involves infraction of College rules and regulations. The Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX (or designee) will initiate disciplinary sanctions in accordance with these regulations. These investigation/disciplinary procedures are not judicial trials and need not conform to the procedural formality of a trial. 

Investigation/Disciplinary Procedures for Behavioral Misconduct
The Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX also has discretion to initiate these procedures without a written charge, complaint, or report. The Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX (or designee) is responsible for investigating any reported allegation of behavioral misconduct by students.

The Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX (or designee) must notify the student accused of the alleged infraction. Any written correspondence between the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX(or designee) and the student that is not hand-delivered to the student will be sent certified mail. Failure of the student to have his/her current address on record with the College will not invalidate any notice or correspondence sent to that address. The Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX(or designee) will conduct an investigation to determine if the charge/complaint has merit and whether it can be resolved by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX.

Following a report of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual violence, the Title IX Coordinator will designate an individual(s) to conduct an investigation. As part of the investigation, as appropriate, the investigator(s) will meet with the reporting party, meet with the responding party, conduct additional interviews with fact witnesses, and gather relevant documentation. All investigations will be thorough, reliable and impartial. Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator provides a written report to the Title IX Coordinator who then releases the report to the Deputy Title IX Coordinator (Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX) for disciplinary action or sanction, if any. It is the Deputy Title IX Coordinator (Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX) who will determine, in consultation with the Title IX Coordinator, whether there has been a policy violation and what disciplinary action(s)/sanction(s) (if any) will be imposed based on a preponderance of evidence standard. A preponderance of the evidence exists when a reasonable person, after a careful balancing of available information, would conclude that it is more likely than not that a College policy or procedure violation occurred and that the responding party is responsible for the violation, While direct mediation between the reporting party and the responding party will not be permitted in cases involving allegations of sexual violence, the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX may suggest alternative resolution techniques for informal resolutions, when appropriate, in consultation with the Title IX Coordinator.

If an informal resolution is not successful or not available, the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX(or designee) will review the allegations of misconduct to determine whether the student is responsible for violating the policy based on a preponderance of evidence standard. A preponderance of the evidence exists when a reasonable person, after a careful balancing of available information, would conclude that it is more likely than not that a violation of the student code of conduct occurred and that the responding party is responsible for the violation. If ‘responsible’, the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX (or designee) will impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions. As part of the investigation, the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX(or designee) may meet with the reporting party and the responding party, conduct additional interviews with fact witnesses, gather documentation, etc.

During the investigation/disciplinary procedures, the responding party will have the following procedural rights:  

·         The opportunity to have to an advisor of the student’s choosing present during any investigative and/or disciplinary meetings. The role of the advisor is solely to support the student. The advisor is not permitted to ask or answer questions, serve as a witness, or make a statement on behalf of the student. The College is not responsible for providing students with an advisor.

• The right to offer witnesses to the alleged misconduct (not character witnesses);

• The right to offer additional information and make a statement to the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX(or designee) about the charge or allegations of misconduct;

• The right to request access to the information relied on as part of the investigation/disciplinary procedures.

During investigation/disciplinary procedures related to complaints of sexual violence or sexual harassment, both the reporting party and the responding party will have the following procedural rights: 

• The opportunity to have an advisor of the individual’s choosing present during any investigative and/or disciplinary meetings. The role of the advisor is solely to support the individual. The advisor is not permitted to ask or answer questions, serve as a witness, or make a statement on behalf of the complainant or accused. The College is not responsible for providing the reporting party or the responding party with an advisor.

• The right of the reporting party or the responding party to receive timely notice of meetings in which they are a participant;

• Subject to applicable law, the right to receive timely and equal access to any information relied on as part of the investigation/disciplinary procedures; and

• Equal opportunity to provide information through the investigation/disciplinary procedures.

The reporting party and responding party will not be permitted to directly question each other.

At the conclusion of the investigation/disciplinary procedures, theExecutive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX (or designee) will notify the responding party and other necessary parties, in writing, of the determination of the investigation/disciplinary procedures (responsible/not responsible) and the sanction(s) imposed (when appropriate). The student will be notified by certified mail. If the student is suspended or dismissed, the student must surrender his/her student ID and parking permit to the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX.

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures result from a report of discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment, the reporting party will be notified in writing of the determination of the investigation (responsible/not responsible), the sanction(s) imposed that directly relate to the reporting party (e.g., an order that the responding party stay away from the reporting party), and the right to appeal.

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures result from a report of sexual violence, the reporting party and the responding party will be simultaneously notified in writing of the determination of the investigation (responsible/not responsible), any sanction(s) imposed, the right to appeal, any changes to the result of investigation/disciplinary procedures, and when such results become final.

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures result from a report of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense (as defined in 34 C.F.R. § 99.39), the reporting party will be notified of the name of the responding party (if not already known by the reporting party), the determination of the investigation (responsible/not responsible), and any sanction(s) imposed. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, the disclosure may be requested by the next of kin of the alleged victim. 

Interim Suspension
In certain circumstances, the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX(or designee) may impose an interim suspension prior to the completion of the investigation/disciplinary procedures. Interim suspension may be imposed: 

• To ensure the safety and well-being of others or to preserve College property

• To ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being

• If a student poses a definite threat of disruption or interference with the normal operation of the College

During interim suspension, the student will be denied access to the campus (including classes) and/or all other College activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible. The student will be notified of the interim suspension by certified mail. Additionally, the interim suspension may be effective immediately by verbal notice from the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX (or designee) with a letter by certified mail to follow. 

Disciplinary Sanctions
The Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX (or designee) or the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs may impose any one or a combination of the following non-disciplinary or disciplinary sanctions for a violation of the student code of conduct:

Non-Disciplinary Sanction: Memorandum of Understanding 
Disciplinary sanctions: 

• Disciplinary Warning

• Disciplinary Probation

• Restitution

• Educational Sanction

• Exclusion from College Facilities or Activities

• No contact order

• Disciplinary Suspension

• Expulsion

Students who are prohibited from attending classes or courses in which they are currently enrolled because of disciplinary sanctions may not be entitled to a refund of tuition.

Disciplinary sanctions will be made part of the student’s permanent educational record and will be housed in the student’s disciplinary file. Cases involving the imposition of sanctions will be expunged from the student’s confidential record seven (7) years after final disposition of the case. Cases involving suspension or expulsion will be retained indefinitely. 

 

Definitions
Disciplinary Sanction
Formal action that is binding, generally an outcome of the student conduct process that limits a student’s ability to interact with the college and the college community. 

Memorandum of Understanding
Written warning that the same conduct or other conduct in violation of the policy during the student’s enrollment at the college may result in additional discipline, but is not considered a disciplinary record. 

Disciplinary Warning
This is a written warning that the same conduct or other conduct in violation of this policy during that student’s enrollment at the College may result in additional discipline. 

Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation is for a specific period of time. During this time, a student may continue to attend classes, but cannot participate in student or intercollegiate activities. Any further violations may lead to suspension or expulsion from the College. 

Restitution
A student is required to pay repair or replacement costs for damage to property or may be required to provide specific in-kind services. 

Educational Sanction
A student is required to participate in a specific educational or counseling activity(ies). The student is responsible for all expenses, including costs for education, counseling, or treatment. 

Exclusion from College Facilities or Activities
A student is prohibited from attending one or more classes; undertaking College employment; entering a building; participating in some or all extra-curricular activities sponsored by the College; representing the College in an official capacity; or using other services provided by the College. Exclusion will be for a definite period of time, until certain requirements placed on the student are completed, or indefinitely. 

No Contact Order
A student may not have any type of contact with another individual who is part of the SCC community. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal or written communication, through the many mediums that are available. The student may not have friends or family contact the student on their behalf. 

Disciplinary Suspension
Disciplinary suspension is for a specific period of time. Suspension will include disenrollment and denial of attendance in classes, exclusion from participation in College-sponsored activities, and suspension from employment with the College. The student may be readmitted upon completion of the suspension.* 

Expulsion
A student is permanently expelled from the College after committing a serious violation or after accumulating a record of multiple violations.**Students who are prohibited from attending courses in which they are currently enrolled because of disciplinary sanctions may not be entitled to a refund of tuition.

Students should complete campus appeals procedures prior to seeking outside remedies. 

Student Appeal Process
A student may appeal the determination of and/or sanction(s) imposed by the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX by filing an appeal in writing within 15 calendar days of notification of the decision by the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX with the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA). In cases of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual violence, both the reporting party and the responding party have the right to appeal the outcome of the investigation/disciplinary procedures. 

 

The appeal must cite at least one of the following criteria as the reason for appeal and provide supporting arguments. The Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs will determine if the appeal meets the criteria. 

1.      The investigation/disciplinary procedures were not conducted in conformity with prescribed procedures.

2.      The information relied on as part of the investigation/disciplinary procedures was not ‘sufficient’ to justify the decision of the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX(or designee).

3.      Information, which was not withheld by the student and which could have substantially affected the outcome of the investigation/disciplinary procedures, has since been discovered.

4.      The sanction was disproportionate for the violation.

Status during appeal: The sanction that was rendered by the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX (or designee) is in effect during the period of appeal.

If the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs determines that criteria for an appeal listed above have not been met, the previous determination by the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX (or designee) stands. If the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs determines that the criteria for an appeal has been met, the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs will then review the information gathered as part of the investigation/disciplinary procedures, including any documentary evidence.

It is within the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs’ discretion to reverse the finding regarding whether the student is responsible/not responsible, return the matter to the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX (or designee) for review and/or reconsideration on whether the student is responsible/not responsible, convert any sanction imposed to an alternate sanction, rescind any previous sanction, or return a recommended sanction to the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Title IX(or designee) for review and/or reconsideration or uphold the outcome of the investigatory/disciplinary procedure.

The final decision on the appeal will be communicated in writing by certified mail by the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs to the appealing student, with a copy sent to appropriate College officials. The decision of the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs shall be final.

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures and subsequent appeal result from a report of harassment or discrimination, the reporting party will also be notified in writing of the result of the appeal and any changes in the sanction(s) imposed if those sanctions directly relate to the reporting party (e.g., an order that the accused stay away from the reporting party). If the investigation/disciplinary procedures and subsequent appeal result from a report of sexual violence, the reporting party and the responding party will be simultaneously notified in writing of the result of the appeal and any changes in the sanction(s) imposed,

If the investigation/disciplinary procedures and subsequent appeal result from a report of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense (as defined in 34 C.F.R. § 99.39), the reporting party and the responding party will be notified of the result of the appeal and any changes in the sanction(s) imposed. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, the disclosure may be requested by the next of kin of the alleged victim. 

Definitions 
College Premises: includes all land, buildings, facilities or other property in the possession of or owned by, leased by, used or controlled by the college, including adjacent streets and sidewalks. 

College Official: includes any person employed by the college, performing assigned administrative or professional duties. 

College Community: includes any person who is a student, faculty member, college official or any other person employed by the college. 

Organization: means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for recognition. 

Content Owner: Academic Affairs

Issued: 08/1993

Revised: 05/2009, 12/2010, 04/2012, 05/2012, 08/2012, 01/2013 05/2013, 05/2014, 08/2015, 11/2015, 05/2024

College administration is charged with identifying resources that promote the safety and well-being of students, including developing and tracking outcomes linked to enhancements in programs and/or services.

Content Owner: Marketing and Student Life
Issued: 06/2011
Revised: 06/2020

International students who are in the United States or wish to come to the United States under a student visa may be admitted to St. Charles Community College for programs approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Applicants must meet minimum English language, educational, and financial requirements as specified by College procedures and SEVP regulations.

Content Owner: Student Services
Issued: 08/1993
Revised: 01/2007, 08/2020

Steps for International Student Admission
To be considered for admission, international students must:

1. Complete an online Application for Admission to St. Charles Community College (SCC).

2. Complete an International Student Application Packet from the SCC Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

3. Submit the following documents to the Office of International Student Services:

• Official transcripts of records, translated into English, from all secondary schools attended verifying high school degree from native country or an American or International Baccalaureate high school degree
• Completed Certified Financial Responsibility Statement demonstrating proof of adequate financial support through the entire period of planned attendance
• Completed Conditions of Enrollment statement acknowledging understanding of enrollment conditions
• Proof of English language proficiency level

Conditions of Enrollment
Acceptance to St. Charles Community College does not guarantee a Form I-20 or F-1 student visa; this decision is made by U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). Failure to adhere to the following conditions and associated deadlines may result in enrollment prohibition, deregistration from courses, and termination of Form I-20. To become or remain enrolled, international students must:

• Be enrolled in a degree program, or take classes for ESL training or pathway through the English Language and Culture Institute (ELCI)
• Be enrolled in 12 credit hours each semester, unless a DSO has approved a reduced course in accordance with US government guidelines
• Attend class regularly according to attendance policy for each course
• Be responsible for housing and transportation
• Arrive ten days before the beginning of each semester of enrollment, follow check-in procedures, and attend orientation
• Complete TB Screening Form and Test within ten days of arrival for first semester of enrollment
• Arrange to obtain international student health insurance approved by SCC
• Register for classes through DSO
• Not drop a main-semester class and enroll in a second eight-week semester class without the ISS Director’s permission
• Maintain contact with Designated Student Officer (DSO) from the Office of International Student Services, who will monitor admission application status and issue Form I-20Pay for and arrange to ship Form I-20
• Treat themselves and others with respect, and students who violate SCC policies and procedures, or the State or federal law, or who fail to maintain agreements with SCC and SCC affiliates are subject to suspension or disciplinary action

Financial Responsibility
International students must provide proof of financial support from the student, family member, friend, government sponsor, or scholarship(s) at or above $20,495 annually or at the amount determined by the DSO and approved on the institution’s I-17.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are outlined in the Schedule of Tuition, Fees, and Refunds for Credit Classes and must be paid by the due date each semester. Rates will be charged as follows:

• International students who hold F, H (except H-1B), J, O-2, P, or Q visas will pay Out of State/International tuition rates and fees.
• International students who live as an unemancipated minor, hold a visa in the categories specified above, and are dependent on and living with a parent or guardian who has established residency in the SCC taxing district with permanent resident alien status or a visa in a category other than those specified above will pay In-District tuition rates and fees.
• International students who are classified as non-immigrant alien and hold a visa in a category other than those specified above, with established residency in the SCC taxing district, will pay In-District tuition rates and fees.

Employment
International students must have approval from the DSO for on-campus employment, economic hardship employment, Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Financial Aid
International students do not qualify for federal work-study programs or federal financial aid but are allowed to apply for scholarships.

English Language Proficiency
NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS
Non-native English speakers who score below minimum requirements for English proficiency will be placed in courses offered through the English Language and Culture Institute (ELCI) to study English or pursue a pathway from ESL (English as a Second Language) to a degree program.

The following English proficiency requirements must be met for acceptance to a degree-seeking program with ESL support classes. Students who wish to study English or score below the following scores will take classes offered by the English Language and Culture Institute:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Paper Based: Minimum score of 323
• TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test): Minimum score of 50
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum score of 5.5
• Duolingo Online Test: Minimum score of 80

EXEMPTION FROM ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) COURSEWORK
Non-native English speakers who apply for acceptance to a degree-seeking program may be exempted from English as a Second Language coursework with the following demonstration of language proficiency:

• TOEFL Paper Based: Minimum score of 550
• TOEFL IBT: Minimum score of 79 with no section score below 17
• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
• Duolingo Online Test: Minimum score of 100
• Cambridge CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): Minimum grade of C
• Cambridge CAE (Certificate of Advanced English): Minimum grade of B
• GTEC CBT (Global Test of English Communication Computer Based Test): Minimum score of 100
• PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic: Minimum score of 6.5
• SCC ELCI (English Language and Culture Institute) Intensive English Program: Completion of highest level
• IB (International Baccalaureate) English A: Language & Literature HL Exam: Minimum score of 5
  Transferrable Credits: Minimum of 24 transferable credits from an accredited two- or four-year post-secondary institution in the United States
• English Composition Course: Minimum grade of C in English Composition at an accredited two- or four-year post-secondary institution in the United States
• American high school graduation and:
  • ACT (American College Testing): minimum score of 19 in Reading and English, or
  • AP (Advanced Placement): Score of 4 or 5 on either the English: Language and Composition; or English: Literature and Composition exams

Note: Students may not provide a score for exemption once they begin their course of study at SCC.

NATIVE SPEAKER EXEMPTION
Students from the following predominantly English speaking countries are not required to submit an English language proficiency score: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent (Grenadines), Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Students from these countries are required to assess basic reading, writing, and mathematics levels at the SCC Assessment Center before enrolling at the College. If scores on these placement instruments are significantly deficient, the student will be referred to the English Language Culture Institute for assessment.

NATIVE SPEAKER APPEAL FOR EXEMPTION
Students who have completed their education entirely in English in a country where the English is considered an official language but is not on the list of native English-speaking countries above, may submit a written appeal to the Director of International Student Services to be exempted from providing an English language proficiency score for admission. These students are required to assess basic reading, writing, and mathematics levels at the SCC Assessment Center. If scores on these placement instruments are significantly deficient, the student will be referred to the Assessment Center for English as a Second Language (ESL) assessment.

Enrollment, Attendance, and Academic Progress
According to Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations, international students must take a full course of study and make progress in their program, unless they are approved for a reduced course load by a DSO. Student visas may not be extended due to lack of progress in a degree program. To ensure compliance with these regulations, international students must:

• Enroll in 12 credit hours per semester.
• Enroll in Fall or Spring main semesters, and 12-week late start semesters by the deadline printed in the application materials (usually at least one month before the first day of classes).

Note: Students who wish to enroll in eight-week or five-week semesters must seek the approval of the Director of International Student Services.

Meet class attendance requirements as determined by attendance policies for each course:

• Degree-seeking international students who are administratively withdrawn for failure to attend class may not be allowed to enroll in eight week courses to maintain status.
• International students reported as not attending class and falling below 12 credit hours in a semester will be suspended, and Form I-20 will be terminated. These students will not be allowed to re-apply for at least one main semester and should seek assistance from an immigration attorney rather than SCC officials when requesting reinstatement.

Make academic progress in degree program:

• International students submitted for Academic Early Alert will be advised by International Student Services staff and guided to SCC resources for grade improvement.
• International students placed on academic probation must raise their GPA to the required level within one semester. Failure to do so will result in inability to register for the following semester, termination of Form I-20, and reapplication required for the next semester.

Content Owner: Student Services
Issued: 08/2020
Revised: 02/2021