Non-Academic Misconduct FAQs

The “code” provides standards for Non-Academic Misconduct, Academic Misconduct and other Misconduct expected of individual students who enroll at SAC and/or other of the Alamo Colleges District Colleges.  It also outlines administrative due process as well as disciplinary penalties that may be imposed when violations occur.

You can find a downloadable copy of the Student Code of Conduct in the SAC Library and on the Division of Student Success website.

A student accused, without proof, of having done something that violates the Alamo Colleges District Student Code of Conduct

A claim or assertion, typically made without proof, that someone has done something that violates the Alamo Colleges District Student Code of Conduct

Due process is a systematically afforded series of opportunities and actions purposefully established to safeguard the individual rights of each student.

An Official Summons is an official call or order to appear or meet with us.

If the Vice President of Student Success or her designee requires a conference with a student to address an allegation(s) of Non-Academic Misconduct, the primary method by which the individual will receive the Official Summons is email in accordance with Policy F.7.1 [Student Email Account (ACES) an Official Mode of Communication]. When deemed appropriate, other methods such as telephone and United States Postal Service Regular Mail or Certified Mail (to the address on file in the [Student Information System (Banner)] may be used.

Failure to obey an Official Summons and meet its deadline constitutes a violation of the Alamo Colleges District Student Code of Conduct in form of Obstruction of Disciplinary Process. Obstruction of the Disciplinary Process is defined in part as: “Obstruction or attempted obstruction of the disciplinary process (investigations, hearings, meetings, or proceeding), including failure to comply with the instructions of the Student Conduct Officer or Administrator or the guidelines of the sanction(s). Violations include but are not limited to a. Failure to obey the summons or notice by the Student Conduct Officer or Administrator, a disciplinary body, or other College District official.  A customary sanction is Disciplinary Hold (type DR).  This type of hold prevents the student from Registering.

The meeting provides an opportunity for the Alleged Party to disprove the allegation(s) of Non-Academic Misconduct made against him/her. Information supporting the disproval will be documented and given every due consideration.

Subsequent to the Preliminary Meeting and other meeting(s) if deemed necessary, the investigatory process will proceed and reach closure within a reasonable period. After having given consideration to the Alleged Party’s input, the testimony of Victim/Witnesses/Reporting Party, written documentation and any applicable Alamo Colleges District Police Department Offense/Incident Report(s), a decision will be made by the Director of Student Conduct.  The written decision is then conveyed to the student by the Director of Student Conduct or his designee.

Disciplinary Probation means that a student has the provisional permission to attend SAC on his/her pledge of appropriate behavior in accordance with the Alamo Colleges District Student Code of Conduct. During the period in effect, any further proven violation will result in immediate and more severe disciplinary action that may include Suspension from the College.

Written documentation and any applicable Alamo Colleges District Police Department Offense/Incident Report (s), a decision will be made by the Director of Student Conduct. The written decision is then conveyed to the student by the Director of Student Conduct or his designee.

This type of hold prohibits a student from registering and takes effect immediately when placed.  It is removed as soon as the student complies with instructions previously provided.

In a case that DOES NOT involve Suspension or Expulsion, the sanctioned student may appeal two aspects [(Findings for which she/he were held Responsible) and/or (Sanctions Imposed)] of the case to the Chief Student Affairs Officer (Vice President for Student Success). If she or he opts to do so, the written appeal must be submitted within five (5) business days following the date of this correspondence. The written appeal shall state whether the sanctioned student is appealing the findings, the sanctions imposed, or both, and the grounds.

In a case that DOES involve Suspension or Expulsion, the appeal is heard by a Disciplinary Hearing Committee. The sanctioned student is advised of applicable details.

Although all SAC administrators work as a team by assisting each other in various aspects of work, the primary responsibility for handling Academic Misconduct is under purview of the Vice President for Academic Success.  Applicable guidelines are also contained in the appropriate place within the Alamo Colleges District Student Code of Conduct.