Student Accountability
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Students are adults and are thus expected to obey the law and to take personal responsibility for their conduct. Colby does not police students’ personal lives on or off the campus, but disciplinary action will result if a student’s use of alcohol creates disorder, public disturbances, danger to himself or herself and others, or property damage. Similarly, hosts of parties or sponsoring organizations may be held accountable for violations by the College and by civil authorities under Maine law. The College reserves the right to dismiss from the College, or reassign or remove from housing (without refund) any student whose presence its officials believe to be detrimental to the general welfare. Matters of misconduct, whether occurring on or off campus, are handled by the Office of the Dean of Students. Most serious cases are referred to the Judicial Board or a Dean’s Hearing Board, to make recommendations to the dean of students, unless the student does not contest responsibility (see Student Disciplinary Procedures). Minor infractions, or those with automatic sanctions, are dealt with by the deans and most often result in written warnings, housing probation, fines, and community service as appropriate. In cases where the facts related to the charge or charges are not seriously contested, the dean may impose sanctions without a hearing. Student leaders who have been involved in disciplinary difficulties will also be referred to the president of the Student Government Association. Records of disciplinary action are kept in the Office of the Dean of Students and are only released in accordance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (see Appendix IV). In most cases the College does not wish to interfere in the affairs of its students; it simply wishes to enforce safety standards and protect the property and rights of others. Although the College does not have any agreement with the police concerning either the prosecution or protection of students, it does not condone violations of law. Student misconduct off campus is subject to discipline at Colby whether or not prosecution is pursued by outside authorities. Students who are arrested or charged with violations of civil or criminal laws should seek advice and assistance from the Office of the Dean of Students. In regard to disciplinary matters, the College treats students as adults. Students are entitled to the privacy guaranteed by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the confidentiality of education records. Under a recent amendment to the act, which expands the circumstances in which education records may be disclosed, the College reserves the right to inform parents or legal guardians of students under the age of 21 of disciplinary violations related to the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances. The College does not routinely notify parents or guardians of pending disciplinary actions, but may do so in exceptional cases where, for example, knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. Students are strongly encouraged by the Office of the Dean of Students, in serious matters, to consult with their parents or guardians in advance of disciplinary hearings. A recommended partial list of minimum sanctions appears in Appendix VIII. Should suspension or expulsion be recommended as a sanction by the Judicial Board or a Dean’s Hearing Board or should it be imposed by the dean of students, a copy of the letter so notifying the student will be sent to parents or guardians so that they may consult with their daughter or son. Security officers, hall staff, and representatives of the Office of the Dean of Students issue written citations for rule infractions, including violations of the College alcohol policy. Students receiving citations will subsequently be called for a conference with a member of the dean of students’ staff.  |  |
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