Your Guide to the NWTC Student Code of Conduct
Understanding your responsibilities and rights
Student success is the focus of everything we do at NWTC. We believe all students deserve the opportunity to pursue their educational and career goals.
As a member of the NWTC community, it's important to understand the rules and expectations that help create a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment for everyone. This page will provide you with information about your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as the procedures for reporting and addressing code of conduct violations.
See Something, Say Something
If you're concerned about a student's behavior, your report can make a difference. Whether it's about missed classes, concerning comments, or potential threats, we're here to listen and take action.
CARE Team: Your Support Network
The CARE Team is a group of people from different parts of the college who are committed to your well-being and safety. If you’ve been involved in an incident, they'll work together to understand what happened and provide support. They may connect you with a mental health professional to help you through a tough time. The goal is to help you get back on track and succeed. Remember, you have the power to overcome challenges, and the CARE Team is here to guide you.
Learn more about the CARE Team in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook (PDF)
Student Code of Conduct
To maintain high standards of instruction and to permit all who attend NWTC to obtain the most from their educational experience, you are expected to:
- Conduct yourself in a way that complies with all civil and criminal laws, and NWTC policies and regulations while on NWTC properties or at off-site school sponsored events;
- Not interfere with the educational or business processes of NWTC in any manner;
- Conduct yourself in a manner both on and off campus that does not endanger the safety or well-being of other students, staff or faculty.
Learn More About the Student Code of Conduct
The NWTC Student Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for student behavior on campus and at NWTC-sponsored events. It's important to be familiar with these guidelines to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for everyone.
What qualifies as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct?
Whenever a student commits or attempts to commit a violation of the Student Code of Conduct as explained below, either on the campus, at an activity, function or event sponsored or supervised by NWTC, sanctions may be imposed on the student. Sanctions may also be imposed whenever a student commits a violation of the Student Code of Conduct off campus, if the misconduct adversely affects the NWTC community. NWTC academic programs may have program specific handbooks with additional expectations and possible sanctions specific to the program. Students may be subject to possible sanctions from both their specific academic program as well as the general Student Code of Conduct.
Violations of the Student Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to:
- Violating NWTC's Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug-Free Policy;
- Theft or attempted theft, including forging documents for money;
- Intentional or unintentional damage to property, with potential restitution if NWTC property is damaged;
- Assault and/or battery;
- Harassment, bullying, or abuse, including through social media. Students should be aware that online postings such as blogs, web postings, chats and social networking sites are in the public sphere and are not private. These postings can subject a student to allegations of Student Code of Conduct violations if evidence of policy violations is posted online. NWTC does not regularly search for this information but may act when such information is brought to the attention of NWTC officials;
- Sexual harassment or misconduct, including non-consensual sexual acts or inappropriate behavior;
- Possession or use of weapons or explosives, except in specific course-related situations;
- Trespassing or unauthorized use of college property;
- Misuse of college equipment, vehicles, computers or networks, including violating the Acceptable Use Policy;
- Disrupting the peace or education process, including using inappropriate language. If a student is asked to leave a classroom or other college area, they must get approval from their instructor or a Dean/Associate Dean to return;
- Not following directions from college staff;
- Violating disciplinary terms or retaliating against those involved in a conduct process;
- Violating program-specific handbooks or rules;
- Breaking any federal, state, or local laws or NWTC policy on NWTC property or at NWTC events;
- Any behavior harmful to students, the college community, or the learning process;
- Failure to provide appropriate identification when asked by College personnel.
- Hazing
What are the sanctions for code violations?
In keeping with the values of NWTC, sanctions are designed to promote the College’s educational mission. Sanctions may also serve to promote safety or to deter students from behavior that harms, harasses, or threatens people or property. Some behavior is so harmful or disruptive to the College community or to the educational process that it may require more serious sanctions, such as removal from specific programs, courses or activities, suspension, or expulsion. More than one sanction may be recommended.
Factors Considered in Determining Sanctions
Although not binding or definitive, the following factors may be considered in determining what sanctions are appropriate in a case:
- The nature of the violations(s);
- Prior violations and disciplinary history;
- Mitigating circumstances surrounding the violation;
- The student’s motive or purpose for engaging in the behavior;
- Sanctions which have been imposed in similar cases in the past;
- The developmental and educational impact on the student.
Possible Sanctions
Multiple sanctions may be imposed, including but not limited to one or more of the following:
- Formal Warning;
- Educational Requirements: A provision to complete a specific educational requirement directly related to the violation committed. The provision will be clearly defined. Such educational requirements may include, but are not limited to, completion of an alcohol education workshop, a diversity awareness workshop, essays, reports, etc.;
- Restitution; Student found “Responsible” may be required to compensate the “victim” for damages or losses they have caused, either to property or individuals within the NWTC community. This might include financial reimbursement, repair of damaged property, or other actions determined to restore (as close as possible) the condition that existed before the harm/damage occurred.
- Suspension: temporary removal from a NWTC program, course or activity or from the College for a specified period of time.
- Expulsion: Permanent removal from a NWTC program, course or activity.
What should I expect if I am accused of violating NWTC’s Student Code of Conduct? (Non-academic Violations)
Being accused of violating NWTC’s Code of Conduct can be stressful and confusing. Here is a step-by-step of what to expect to help you navigate the process:
- Notice of Investigation/Allegation
If you are being accused of violating any part of NWTC’s Student Code of Conduct policy (attach link to policy), you will be notified via you NWTC student email account (mymail.nwtc.edu).
- Read this email carefully!
Note Important Details: This email will include the specific allegation(s), will include information about meeting with a member (s) of NWTC Conduct Team, deadlines as well as any instructions specific to you and the allegation being made against you. - Stay calm and seek support
Reach out to a trusted friend, family member or counselor to discuss your feelings and to receive emotional support. NWTC offers free professional counselors to students. Counseling is confidential and your personal information will not be shared with anyone without your consent. Counseling Services - Gather Information
Collect Evidence: Start gathering any relevant documents, emails, messages, or other evidence that may support your case or perspective of the situation.
List Witnesses: Identify witnesses who can provide statements or evidence on your behalf
Write a Statement: Investigations are stressful. It may help you to prepare a clear and concise statement that addresses the allegations. Stick to the facts and avoid inflammatory language - Know your rights as a NWTC Student
- You have the right to be notified of all allegations against you
- You have the right to a timely and fair investigation and decision-making process
- You have the right to know the nature of the evidence against you (unless release of this evidence would endanger the health or safety of the person making the complaint against you or any witness(es)
- You have the right to respond and present information and/or witness(es) relevant to the investigation
- You have the right to appeal, when applicable. See section 3C for appeal information.
- Read this email carefully!
- Meeting with investigators
- Your notice of investigation/allegation email will include the following:
- details (date, time, location, investigator names, etc.) about a scheduled meeting, or
- it will provide you with contact information for you to call and schedule this appointment.
NOTE: These meetings are mandatory. Failure to schedule and/or attend this meeting will result in a hold being placed on your student account. This hold will prevent you from initiating any enrollment activity, like adding or dropping classes, requesting a transcript, etc.
- If you need an accommodation (due to a disability) to participate in this meeting, please call 920-498-6904.
- Be punctual and prepared: Arrive on time and bring all necessary documents and evidence. Be prepared to discuss your case calmly and respectfully.
- Answer questions honestly. Request clarifications if you are unsure of the question
- Your notice of investigation/allegation email will include the following:
What is the resolution process?
- Informal Resolution: The student and the Student Conduct and CARE Case Manager, faculty member, and/or dean or associate dean shall agree to resolve the matter informally. In that event, the student and the Student Conduct and CARE Case Manager shall review the charges, and the student accepts responsibility for the charged violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
A student who disagrees with a finding of “responsible” or the sanctions levied may choose to request a formal resolution through a decision-maker. The request for a formal resolution must be made in writing (may include electronic correspondence) to the office of the Student Conduct and CARE Case manager within 3 (three) business days of the informal resolution discussion. Informal resolution is a required step before a student, or the College requests a formal resolution.
- Mediation: In appropriate cases, the Student Conduct and CARE Case Manager or designee may coordinate a mediation process with the involved parties. Mediation is a voluntary process in which the parties involved meet with a neutral third party to discuss and design a resolution to the issues of concern. Mediation often results in a written agreement that is drafted and signed by both parties. If students elect not to participate in the mediation process, adjudication of the case may take another form as listed here;
- Restorative Justice: Restorative justice in schools is a philosophical approach that aims to resolve conflicts by building relationships and focusing on the needs of all involved. It's based on the idea that wrongdoing is an offense against relationships, not the school or state. Restorative justice practices emphasize repairing harm instead of punishment, and can help create a positive learning environment;
- Formal Resolution: If, after an attempt at informal resolution there is no agreement/resolution agreed upon by all participants, the student would meet with the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs or their designee (decision-maker). The decision-maker would meet with the investigators (or be provided with an investigation report) and the student. After reviewing the information provided, a decision would be made (Insufficient cause, Not Responsible, or Responsible) and sanctions would be decided.
What is the appeal process?
Students who meet with the decision-maker have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions, with the exception of students who request a meeting with a decision-maker but do not attend their scheduled meeting time. Appeal requests must be made within three (3) business days after written notification of the finding and sanction. Submit an appeal
A student would only be able to appeal this decision if:
- There was an introduction of new information or;
- There was a failure to uphold the student’s rights.
An appeal must contain the following information:
- Reason for appeal request;
- The name, email address, and telephone number of the party;
- A clear statement explaining the nature and circumstances of the appeal, citing new evidence or how their rights have been violated during the conduct process.
The Vice President of Talent & Culture will review the material submitted and will make a decision to be sent to the student via their NWTC email account within ten (10) academic days after receipt of the appeal.
At the discretion of the Decision-maker, sanctions may be deferred while a request for an appeal is being considered.
Have questions about the Student Code of Conduct?
- Email:
- john.grant@nwtc.edu
- Phone:
- 920-498-6984
- Email:
- kelly.schumacher@nwtc.edu
- Phone:
- 920-498-6390