Housing Conduct Violation and Community Standard Process

As a member of the Whatcom Community College community, all students have an obligation to demonstrate academic and personal honesty and integrity. Students are expected to respect individual rights, recognize their impact on others, and take responsibility for their actions. Students may be subject to disciplinary action for any activity that unreasonably disrupts the operation of the college or infringes on the rights of another member of the college community Students are prohibited from engaging in an unlawful conduct and may be subject to criminal or civil prosecution.

The college may impose disciplinary sanctions against a student who commits, or aids, abets, incites, encourages, or assists another person to commit acts of misconduct, as defined by the Student Code of Conduct Policy WAC 132U-125.

As a member of the Residence Life community, each resident has the following rights and responsibilities that are intended to help students develop a healthy living community.

RESIDENTS RIGHTS

RESIDENT RESPONSIBILITES

Abide by the policies in this handbook, WCC’s Student Code of Conduct, and the signed resident housing contract agreement
Respect the rights and needs of other residents
Communicate needs with other residents and staff in a timely manner
Support individual and campus community safety and security
Always accept responsibility for behavior
Maintain cleanliness and order of bedroom, bathroom, and shared spaces
Honor and agreed upon housing costs and fees
Residents are responsible for their own actions, the actions of their guests, and maintaining an environment that fosters academic success, safety, and the well-being of the community. When determined that a student has violated a policy, disciplinary action may be implemented including but not limited to termination of your housing contract. Severe or continuous violations may be subject to progressive disciplinary action and/or criminal charges. Bellingham Police may be called for any crime, including violence and drug and alcohol violations.

The policies that follow a general outline of the types of conduct that are prohibited in Residence Life. They reflect local, state, and federal laws as well as unique requirements of a college residential environment. They are based on common sense and reflected in the importance of consideration for other individuals and their property. These policies are not intended to define misconduct in complete terms.

Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to:
Damage or destruction of property
Theft of property or services
Harassment or intimidation, including bullying or stalking, whether in person or online
Discrimination, including sexual or gender-based discrimination
Hazing
Endangerment, assault, or infliction of personal harm
Sexual misconduct, including harassment, intimidation, and violence
Obstruction or disruption of any college activity or property
Failure to comply with college staff directives
Use of weapons, firearms, explosives, dangerous devises, or chemicals
Possession or use of alcohol or drugs on campus, including Cedar Hall
Misuse of keys or unauthorized access to restrict areas
Violations of any other College policy, rule, or procedure
Forgery, alteration, or misuse of documents, funds, property, or electronic resources
Any other action that interferes with the rights and safety of others

HOUSING VIOLATION AND CONDUCT PROCESS

Depending on the severity of the alleged policy violation, residents will meet with a designated Residence Life staff member or Conduct Officer. During this meeting, staff will explain your rights and responsibilities, and talk with you about the alleged policy violation. Following the meeting, a decision will be made finding you “responsible” or “not responsible” for each policy violation and an outcome letter will be sent to you. The sanctions for any violations you are found responsible for and if eligible, your right to appeal will be explained in your outcome letter.

Sanctions can include but are not limited to verbal warnings, written warnings, probation and contract termination. Educational components may also include in a housing violation sanction which could include attending appropriate educational workshops, community services, and/or other examples of restitution.

Social media accounts are public platforms. Self-disclosure of a policy violation, including online, constitutes evidence of the violation. Whatcom can include a search of your social media accounts as port of an investigation. Do not make anything public that you would not want used for this purpose.

APPEALS

Residence Life supports a due process for residents and as such residents have the right to appeal, although not every decision is appealable. Email notifications will be sent to a resident’s student email. For violations that may result in termination of contract, hard copy notifications will be posted on the unit door.

A resident can appeal the Director’s decision by notifying in writing and setting up a meeting with the Vice President for Student Services ten (10) days weeks of the decision.

TERMINATION OF CONTRACT

A resident contact can be terminated at any time. Residents who are asked to leave will be provided written notice through Maxient notifications, if appropriate. This notification will state the date and the time of expected departure. The resident refundable deposit will be forfeiture. Resident may be asked to leave immediately if there is a threat to the safety of the individuals or the Cedar Hall community.

The following are the Residence Life steps for removal, if required:

After the day and time of move out, residents access will be deactivated.
Residents will be asked to leave and escorted from the building.
Refusal to leave would result in Residence Life contacting Safety and Security and/or 911.

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