Community, Policies & Conduct

Bullying and Harassment

• Bullying and harassment include any inappropriate conduct, comments, or deliberately hurtful behavior towards a Hastings College community member that the person knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause that community member to be humiliated or intimidated. 

• Bullying and harassment can be a single incident or can happen over a period of time. It can be either physical, verbal or indirect or a combination of any of these forms. 

• Often, it includes one or more of the following: intimidation, exclusion, rumor-spreading, name-calling, anonymous messages, social media posting/responses, damage to or theft of personal property. 

• Examples of bullying can include cyberbullying, sexual and sexist bullying, racist and religious bullying, homophobic bullying and disability bullying. 

• Students are encouraged to report all incidents of bullying to the Title IX Coordinator at l at hccares@hastings.edu, or report to hastings.edu/concerns. 

• Appropriate action will be taken according to the guidelines of the Student Code of Conduct or HC Cares Policy.

Academic Policies

Consult the Academic Catalog and Academic Policies.

Diversity and Inclusion Team

Hastings College has made a commitment to work toward a campus that is free from all discrimination and that celebrates the diversity of its various community members. To maintain this commitment, Hastings College has established a Diversity and Inclusion Team. This is an open group, comprised of students, faculty and staff, and is chaired by the Vice President for Student Access, Enrollment, and Performance  to provide support to students who are affected by discrimination;  additionally, it supports and cooperates with diversity related organizations on campus. 

Reports of discrimination incidents should be made to the Title IX Coordinator or Dean of Student Engagement. 

Reports can also be emailed to hccares@hastings.edu or completed at hastings.edu/concerns. 

See sections below on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct for information about making reports of incidents of these types. 

Endangering Self or Others/Self-Care

Being a positive member of the Hastings College community requires the ability to assure one's own welfare and meet traditional, basic obligations. This means, in part, that students must be willing and able to care for themselves and behave in ways that will not cause problems for themselves or those around them, nor negatively impact the welfare, safety and success of other community members. 

Examples would include, but are not limited to, caring adequately for one's physical and emotional health, wearing a mask as required during COVID-19 periods of concern, dealing appropriately with life challenges, getting along with others successfully, making adequate academic progress and not causing or threatening to cause harm to one's self.

The College offers a number of resources to assist with academic, emotional, and physical stress.  It is the expectation that students will seek out and/or accept services (on-campus or off) when in need.  If the college believes that a student’s health or behaviors may endanger themselves or other members of the campus community, the college reserves the right to require that the student vacate campus housing and/or withdraw from the college. In addition, the college reserves the right to contact students’ parents or legal guardians if students may be a danger to themselves or others.

Firearms, Weapons and Fireworks 

Firearms, weapons and fireworks of any description are prohibited on Hastings College property. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, all handguns and rifles, airsoft guns (and similar guns which fire projectiles), BB guns, potato guns, paintball guns, explosives, fireworks, firecrackers or dangerous chemicals, shells, blow darts, bows and arrows, and hunting and fishing knives. The college reserves the right to decide what is prohibited under this policy. 

Note: The carrying of concealed weapons is prohibited on the Hastings College campus under college policy and by Nebraska State Law. For information on storage of firearms, contact Head Shotgun Sports Coach Michael Saint at 402-461-7410.

Fundraising/Sponsorship/Advertising/Underwriting

Faculty, staff and students are required to have approval from the Hastings College Foundation, prior to soliciting funds for any group or individual cause or program directly or indirectly connected to the college. This includes, but is not limited to, selling merchandise, soliciting advertising, asking for donations (cash or non-cash donations) and applying for grants. To request approval, please contact Mike Karloff, 402.461.7473 or mkarloff@hastings.edu, Chelsea Lemar, 917-618-4232 or chelsea.lemar@hastings.edu,  or Claire Bostelman, 402-461-7786 or claire.bostelman@hastings.edu.

Parent/Guardian Notification

Notification

Parents and guardians of Hastings College students are always encouraged to contact the appropriate offices with questions or concerns about their student’s progress. Hastings College adheres to the protection of student privacy rights through FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act). Generally, college officials may notify parents or guardians (e.g by phone or by mail) in consultation with the appropriate office(s) and/or the Student Concerns Committee in at least the following cases:

Behavioral/Health

1. Violation of the college’s drug/alcohol policies.

2. Suspension from campus residency or the college.

3. Serious health concern (as determined by the health and/or counseling center and on a case by case basis).

Academic

1. Mid-semester grade report with two grades of D or one grade of F.

2. Drop below full-time enrollment

3. Multiple faculty notices of non-attendance (in consultation with the faculty and on a case by case basis).

Recordings

Students may not make audio and/or video recordings of meetings with college officials unless all parties are aware and approve of the recording.  When requested, both parties should have equal access to any approved recording.

Scooters and Hoverboards

Scooters and other wheeled transportation (except for equipment needed due to a current disability) may not be ridden in buildings. Hoverboards may not be used, charged or stored on campus grounds or in any building at any time. Gas-powered scooters may not be parked or stored inside campus buildings.

Smoking, E-Cigarettes, Vapes, Delta Varieties and Chewing Tobacco

• Smoking, e-cigarettes, Delta varieties  and vaping is prohibited in all on-campus facilities. 

• All policies related to tobacco smoking apply to the use of e-cigarettes, Delta varitiets and vapes. 

• Persons who choose to smoke outside the residence halls, Bronco Village Apartments or other campus buildings, must stand 50 feet away from the buildings. 

• Each residential facility may have additional policies concerning smoking outside of their building. 

• All cigarette butts should be disposed of properly. 

• Hookahs are not permitted on campus. 

• Chewing tobacco is not permitted in campus housing or academic buildings. 

FERPA: Student Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. See full policy in the Hastings College Academic Catalog. Link to the FERPA form.

Posting of Signs, Campus Displays and Chalking, Community Advertising

Any campus entity, group or organization wishing to advertise outside the college must first have the approval of the Office of Marketing and Communications. Contact Michael Howie, director of marketing, at 402.461.7743 or mhowie@hastings.edu.

Student clubs or organizations and any other entity wishing to hang flyers on campus should submit a clean digital version of advertisements to the Student Activities Coordinator via email. 

Please allow at least 72 hours for the approval process. Upon approval, the flyer will be stamped and dated. Because the approval stamp provides visual evidence that the flyer has been approved for posting, it is highly recommended that copies for posting be made from this original with the stamp on it. CLCs have the right to remove media materials which have not been approved. Approved flyers may be posted on any designated student club or organization bulletin board space on campus (more information below). It is the posting entity’s responsibility to consult with each building’s CLC  about the appropriate places for posting. 

Posting and Distribution of Approved Flyers

Registered student clubs and organizations may post approved signs on bulletin boards or designated areas provided in the Hazelrigg Student Union, residence halls, and instructional buildings. Each CLC  may designate other appropriate places to post.

• Posting signs on the outside walls of buildings, on columns, on sidewalks, in stairwells used as fire exits, or on any part of building doors is prohibited.

• The sponsoring student group and contact information must be identified on the sign or poster.

• All publicity materials, decorations, etc. must be removed by the sponsor within 72 hours following the event.

• Student Engagement staff and building directors reserve the right to remove any sign that does not comply with these policies. Staff and building directors will also be asked not to remove signs that comply with college policy.

• Placing flyers or leaflets on vehicles parked on campus is prohibited.

• Depending upon the seriousness of an offense, clubs or organizations distributing media that do not comply with college policies may face disciplinary action under the campus student conduct system. Off-campus entities/businesses that violate these guidelines may lose their privilege to post media on campus. No group or individual will be compensated for the cost of media removed by college officials under this policy.

• Flyers, posters, or other media may not be posted/taped on bathroom stalls or windows. This poses a hazard to the health and safety of others and is therefore prohibited.

• No flyers will be accepted for events held at bars or taverns.

• Flyers for businesses and for-profit entities will not be approved and such entities are referred to The Collegian which accepts advertising for publication.

• Flyer sizes: the smallest flyer size 8 ½” x 5 ½”, (half sheets), and the largest, standard poster board size (approx. 22” x 28”).

• Flyers should be tacked to cork bulletin boards or poster rails wherever possible. When bulletin boards or rails are not available, flyers may be taped up for display only on approved surfaces (e.g., surfaces which will not chip and peel when the posters are removed such as the ceramic tile walls in Hurley-McDonald).

• Do not put flyers on painted walls.

• Windows should be avoided wherever possible.
  
  

In addition to flyers, the Office of Student Activities reserves the right to refuse and/or to alter any displays on campus including signs, banners and the chalking of walkways. Recognized student groups may use washable sidewalk chalk on campus sidewalks to promote campus events under the following conditions:

• Chalking is at least 10 feet away from entrances of buildings.

• Chalking is only on sidewalks (no roads, buildings, columns, trees, stairs, fences, walls, or other areas).

• No chalking is permitted in any other covered area where rain will not wash the chalk away.

• Chalking may not be done on the sidewalk entries to the French Memorial Chapel, Hurley-McDonald, or the Daugherty Center unless approved by the Office of Student Engagement.

HC Cares Policy

(Sex or Gender Based Harassment,Sexual Misconduct, Bias, or Discrimination )

Hastings College is committed to fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational experience and, therefore, prohibits sex/gender based harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct. 

The full updated and current policy can be found at hastings.edu/hccares. 

Policy on Possession and Use of Alcohol and Drugs

Definitions

The term alcohol as used in this shall include alcoholic spirits, liquor, wine, beer, and every substance containing alcoholic spirits, liquor, wine or beer.

The term illegal drug shall mean any controlled substance included in Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-405 (which lists controlled substances regulated under Nebraska criminal laws relating to drugs and narcotics), any “controlled substance” as defined under federal law in 21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq., and any otherwise lawfully available drug (such as over the counter or prescription drugs) used for any illegal or unauthorized purpose.

Philosophy

The College cares about its students and employees, their health, and well-being, and it encourages all individuals to care about each other. The College recognizes that there are many academic and social problems associated with the consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs, which have a negative impact on students, employees, and campus life in general. 

In recognition of the problems associated with the use of drugs and alcohol on college campuses, and in accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Hastings College has adopted the following policy regarding the possession and use of alcohol and illegal drugs on and off campus:

Standards of conduct for students and employees of Hastings College and their guests:

1. Actual, attempted or promotion of the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on Hastings College property or as part of any Hastings College activity is prohibited. 

2. All laws pertaining to alcohol and drug use must be observed at all times, including, but not limited to, legal drinking age, prohibitions against providing alcohol to minors, and restrictions against operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

3. No illegal drugs or paraphernalia may be possessed or used on or off campus by any Hastings College employee, student or guest. The possession and/or use on or off campus of any illegal drug by a Hastings College employee, student or guest will subject the employee, student, or guest to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the College.

4. No alcoholic beverages may be possessed or consumed on or off campus by any Hastings College employee, student, or guest under the age of 21. 

5. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in individual Hastings College Bronco Village Apartment or campus house if minors are present.

6. On rare occasions and by prior written approval of the Hastings College President, an event for alumni and/or community members being hosted on campus in an academic or administrative building can serve alcohol. Alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed by anyone under the age of 21 and must be served by an approved licensed vendor following all campus, state and federal laws.

7. No alcohol cans, bottles, or paraphernalia are allowed in the College residence halls or in apartments where any resident is under the legal drinking age (21). No advertising for beer or other alcohol may be accepted in any campus publication or for display on campus.

8. In an effort to deter underage drinking on or off-campus, Hastings College expects these guidelines to be followed at events where alcohol will be served and where HC student may or are present: 

   • No college funds, including campus organization treasury funds processed through the Hastings College Business Office may be used to purchase alcohol for any student event. 

   • Each student event must ensure compliance with the laws of the State of Nebraska and the Hastings College Code of Conduct.

   • No posters, signs, or e-mail announcements promoting alcohol may be displayed on campus.

   • No tickets for any student events with alcohol may be sold on campus.

Legal Sanctions

Local, state and federal laws prohibit the unlawful possession or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. Violations of such laws are criminal offenses. Sanctions and penalties for such violations may range from probation to substantial monetary fines and/or imprisonment for substantial time periods if prosecuted in the criminal or civil courts. Additionally, convictions for possessing or selling illegal drugs may impact a student’s eligibility for federal student aid.

College Disciplinary Sanctions

1. Disciplinary sanctions for students violating alcohol and drug provisions of this policy or the Hastings College Student Code of Conduct will be imposed. These may include, but are not limited to, the following series of sanctions or combination thereof:

   • First Violation

     • Parental notification

     • Restorative process, fine, or service hours

     • Mandatory completion of alcohol or drug education program

   • Second Violation

     • Parental notification

     • Restorative process, fine, or service hours

     • Probation

     • Mandatory screening with certified drug and alcohol counselor

   • Third Violation and above

     • Parental notification

     • Probation

     • Suspension from residency or the college

2. Hastings College Good Samaritan Policy

   • Student health and safety are primary concerns of the Hastings College community. Students are expected to contact Campus Safety, a member of the residence life staff, or other college official when they believe that medical assistance for an intoxicated/ impaired student is required. 

   • In case of medical emergency or in the event that a college official cannot be reached, students should call 911 for assistance from local police, fire, or medical emergency professionals. 

   • When such assistance is sought for an intoxicated/ impaired student, the students and/or organizations seeking help, as well as the individual assisted and others involved, will not be subject to college disciplinary action with respect to the alcohol policy. (This policy does not preclude disciplinary action regarding other violations of college standards, such as causing or threatening physical harm, sexual abuse or violence, damage to property, harassment, hazing, etc. Students should also be aware that this college policy does not prevent action by state and local authorities.)

   • In order for this policy to apply, the intoxicated student(s) must agree to timely (within 30-60 days) completion of recommended alcohol education activities, assessment, and/or treatment depending upon the level of concern for student health and safety. 

   • Serious or repeated incidents (more than one time) will prompt a higher degree of medical concern. 

   • Failure to complete recommended follow-up will result in sanctioning up to withdrawal from the college.

3. State of Nebraska Good Samaritan Law (LB 439): provide limited protection for Nebraskans under the age of 21 who seek medical assistance related to alcohol poisoning. LB 439 will grant intoxicated minors a limited legal immunity when they seek help for themselves or another individual who is in need of immediate medical attention. The law will only apply to those who 1) are intoxicated 2) call for medical assistance and 3) cooperate fully with law enforcement when medical attention arrives.

4. Consistent with Hastings College responsibility to take action against acts of Sexual Harassment, Misconduct and Violence, a person reporting and bystanders involved the report of such an incident will not be held responsible for an alcohol violation disciplinary sanction under the Policy on Possession and use of Alcohol and Drugs. The responding party (person committing the act) can be held responsible for their actions under the Policy on the Possession and use of Alcohol and Drugs, the Sexual Harassment Policy, Sexual and Misconduct and Violence Policy. Additionally the responding party can also be exposed to criminal and civil proceedings outside of Hastings College.

Support and Prevention Services

Hastings College is committed to increasing employee and student awareness of the issues related to alcohol and drug use and abuse. In an effort to curb the negative effects of alcohol and drug use, the College takes the following steps:

1. Hastings College provides annual educational efforts to increase awareness about the effects of alcohol and drug use, including in-class and extra-curricular lectures and discussions. Information is also provided through digital media, posters, and pamphlets, and peer educational efforts.

2. Greek organizations are provided additional education on the topic of hazing and chapters sign an Anti-Hazing Policy statement.

3. Drug and Alcohol Counseling Treatment or Rehabilitation Programs: The Stone Health Center coordinates and offers a variety of alcohol and other drug abuse prevention and education services for students, referral services, alcohol and other drug education classes, and peer alcohol educators. In addition, counselors provide confidential screenings, counseling, and treatment/rehabilitation referral services for those students who are having difficulty with alcohol and drug use/abuse.

4. Hastings College also provides confidential counseling support through the Counseling Center for those wishing to decrease or prevent their consumption of alcohol or drugs and/or deal with alcohol/drug related problems. This may include individual, small group, and/or large group counseling support, as requested.

5. The Student Activities Coordinator and the Office of Student Engagement at Hastings College are able to provide advice, assistance, and encouragement to student organizations for their development and promotion of guidelines for responsible decision-making about alcohol use by their members.

6. The Student Activities Coordinator and the Office of Student Engagement at Hastings College are available to promote and facilitate any student organization’s efforts to provide alcohol free social and recreational options.

Alcohol Policy for College Sponsored Off-Campus Excursions

There are special considerations related to the use of alcohol during off-campus excursions when those excursions extend outside of the regular instructional day, and may extend for several days. These considerations stem from the need to balance the rights of students to exercise their personal freedoms with the responsibility of the college to maintain a safe and effective learning and teaching atmosphere during such excursions. Therefore, the following policies will govern the use of alcohol by students on college-sponsored off-campus excursions, such as field trips and sporting events. Sponsoring departments and trip organizers may establish restrictions in addition to these (e.g., Athletic Department prohibitions on any alcohol consumption by athletes, a faculty member deeming alcohol consumption inappropriate in association with the purposes of the trip.):

1. Students must observe all laws pertaining to alcohol use in the jurisdiction where the excursion takes place. These include, but are not limited to, legal drinking age, prohibitions against providing alcohol to minors, restrictions against operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and alcohol-restricted zones such as parks, public buildings, and campgrounds.

2. Students must refrain from the consumption of alcohol during periods that College faculty/staff members define as instructional periods. Instructional periods may include any part or all of any given day during the excursion and are not limited to periods used for direct instruction. 

3. Students may consume alcohol only during periods defined as personal, non-instructional time. Students who use alcohol during personal, non-instructional, time must do so in a manner that allows them to be prepared to participate fully in subsequent instruction with complete sobriety and without physical or mental impairment.

4. At all times students are responsible for following the Hastings College Code of Conduct.

5. Illegal drugs, as defined by campus policy, are prohibited during any off-campus excursion.

6. Students are ultimately responsible for their own behavior and compliance with laws and regulations of the local jurisdiction, Hastings College policies, department restrictions and faculty authority.

Guidelines for Events where Alcohol is Present 

This is not an all-inclusive list, but intended to provide some basic suggestions.

1. An equal number of alternative, non-alcoholic beverages will be provided at each event involving alcoholic beverages.

2. Food will be provided at each event involving alcoholic beverages.

   • The amount of food will be reasonable depending on the number of guests expected.

   • The variety of food will include some items without salt.

3. Each participant must present a valid State ID when entering any event involving alcoholic beverages or when purchasing alcohol.

   • A mark or wristband will be used to designate those of legal age (21 in Nebraska).

   • Enforcement will occur at private parties, as well as at public establishments.

4. Beverage containers, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, will be kept inside the host facility.

5. Third-party vendors or trained servers will be used for all registered events.

   • Alcoholic beverages will not be served to intoxicated individuals.

   • The serving of alcohol will cease one hour before the event is to end.

6. Security measures will be taken to monitor for and prevent underage drinking.

   • Empty or abandoned drinks will be discarded.

   • Passing drinks under the table is prohibited.

7. Designated Drivers or the Hastings College Bronco Bus must be used at each social event.

   • If Designated Drivers are used, there must be an adequate number available dependent on the number attending.  Designated Drivers are to be determined prior to the event start time.  Designated Drivers’ name and contact information will be posted the entirety of the event.  Designated Drivers will not consume any alcohol or other drugs prior to or during the event.

   • If the Hastings College Bronco Bus  is used, they must be notified of the time, place, and hours of the social event two - five days in advance.

   • If the Hastings College Bronco Bus  is used, the telephone number to call must be posted in a prominent place at the student event.

   • All unregistered student events or social gatherings, including pre- and post-parties (“primers” and “posters”) that are in violation of these guidelines are officially prohibited by the College and its campus organizations.

8. Illegal drugs are prohibited at any student event.

Drug Education and Testing Policy for Student Athletes 

The Hastings College Athletic Department has an additional policy for educating and deterring the illegal use of drugs and substances. Contact the Athletic Department at 402.461.7395 for more information about the policy.

Parking Policy

Vehicles on Campus

• The operation of a motor vehicle on Hastings College property is considered a privilege and is not an inherent right. However, the college recognizes that an automobile is often necessary and is a convenient form of transportation. The college attempts to provide ample parking space for students, faculty, and staff.

• The college is not responsible for fire, theft, or damage to any vehicle parked or operated on the Hastings College campus or any articles left therein. Any damages should be reported immediately to the Hastings Police Department, the Office of Student Life, and/or Campus Safety. Faculty, staff, and students are responsible for knowing the regulations governing the operation, possession, and control of motor vehicles on the college campus.

• Campus parking lots, including residence hall and Bronco Village Apartment parking lots are not to be used for extensive vehicle repair or storage for inoperable vehicles.

Vehicle Registration

• All students, faculty, and staff who possess motor vehicles of any type for their use, and who wish to park on campus while at Hastings College, must register their vehicle with the Office of Student Engagement. Vehicle registration is free and may be completed at the Campus Connect desk in HSU.

• Vehicle registration must be accomplished at the start of each school year or immediately upon bringing the vehicle on campus. 

Note: Failure to register a vehicle parked on campus may result in a penalty. Any persons registering a vehicle in their name shall be liable for all violations incurred by that vehicle. Parking decals of registered vehicles must be displayed.

General Regulations

• • The speed limit on campus is 10 miles per hour.

  • Pedestrians shall at all times have the right of way.

  • Operating or parking on sidewalks or lawns is prohibited.

  • Parking is limited to authorized areas; persons are not allowed to park in front of trash receptacles or in areas painted yellow.

  • You must have an Accessibility tag to park in an Accessible parking space. Unlawful parking in Accessible spaces may result in a fine.

Penalties - Parking violations may be subject to fines. 

Emotional Support Animal/Service Animal Policy

You can find our policy here: Emotional Support Animal/Service Animal Policy.

Student Code of Conduct

I. INTRODUCTION

Hastings College is an educational institution in which there is an atmosphere of learning, as well as a sense of community. The College prides itself upon the principles of academic integrity, self-respect, and individual responsibility.

Student generations come and go, colleges continue. Because of this, and since interpretations of responsible living differ from locale to locale, every college community, by tradition or through adopted college policy, has established minimal regulations that must be made clear to all.

Since many aspects of a student’s conduct are deliberately not covered by the Student Code of Conduct which follows, the College expects a great deal of its students in exercising common sense and in observing commonly accepted moral and ethical standards. Students violating such standards may be subjected to disciplinary proceedings by one of the Student Judicial System’s judicial bodies, (the Community Accountability Board Office of Student Engagement, Student Academic Affairs Committee or Administration of the College). All students are expected to comply with the procedures and decisions of these judicial bodies.

Students who enroll at Hastings College assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with these principles—a manner which will bring credit to themselves and to the College—and to see that their guests observe these same principles at all times.

Hastings College reserves the right to suspend or otherwise administratively withdraw any student whose conduct is deemed to be an affront to the history and traditions of the College or whose behavior brings discredit to the College or who poses by reasonable assumption a threat of danger or harm to self or any member of the College community. Said suspension or withdrawal may be undertaken pending the outcome of criminal proceedings against a student without presumption of guilt. Particularly in the case of felony criminal charges, suspension or withdrawal will be the presumed course of action by the College.

The following Code of Conduct applies to all students and guests.

II. DEFINITIONS

1. When used in this code, the term “institution” means Hastings College.

2. The term “college official” includes any person employed by Hastings College performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.

3. The term “Hastings College community” includes any person who is a student, staff member, faculty member, administrator, or Trustee, or any other person employed by Hastings College. The Office of Student Engagement shall determine a person’s status in a particular situation.

4. The term “college premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by Hastings College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).

5. The term “student” includes all persons who are registered during the current semester/term pursuing at least one course. The term “student” shall include, but is not limited to, all persons present on the campus for the purpose of enrolling for classes, completing classes, or participating in College-sponsored activities (for example: orientation activities, final exam periods, independent study, intercollegiate athletic competitions during recess periods).

6. The term “judicial body” means any person or persons authorized by the Office of Student Engagement to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code and to recommend imposition of sanctions.

7. The term “judicial adviser” means a Hastings College official authorized on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Student Engagement to impose sanctions upon students found to have violated the Student Code. The Office of Student Engagement may authorize a judicial adviser to serve on more than one judicial body.

8. The term “appellate board” means any person or persons authorized by the Office of Student Engagement to consider an appeal from a judicial body’s determination that a student has violated the Student Code or from the sanctions by the Judicial Body.

9. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.

10. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.

11. The Office of Student Engagement is the office designated by the Hastings College president to be responsible for the administration of the Student Code.

12. The term “policy” is defined as the written regulations of Hastings College as found but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct and the Hastings College Catalog.

13. The term “cheating” includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations: (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; and/or (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the Hastings College Faculty or staff.

14. The term “plagiarism” includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase of direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

III. JUDICIAL AUTHORITY SUMMARY

The Student Judicial System at Hastings College was developed to provide the College community with a structured process which upholds the ideals, objectives, and goals of the College. While the system is not intended to be a duplicate of proceedings in a court of law, it is designed to be a process in an educational setting that will enhance and protect the rights and property of all members of the Hastings College community. The judicial system of the College is composed of three basic systems:

1. Community Accountability Board: Review violations of the Student Code of Conduct that occur in or affect the residence halls, campus houses and Bronco Village Apartments 

2. Student Academic Affairs Committee: Reviews cases involving cheating or plagiarism violations reported by faculty to the Office of the Academic Affairs (see fuller description in the section on Academic Dishonesty below).

3. Administrative Hearing: The College reserves the right at any level of the disciplinary process to adjudicate cases via administrative hearing with one or more representatives of the Office of Student Engagement; sanctions imposed via administrative hearing carry the same weight as those imposed in any of the above processes. Appeals in the case of administrative hearing will be heard by the next higher level of authority to that conducting the hearing (see fuller description in Referral Procedures and Jurisdiction below).

IV. PROSCRIBED CONDUCT 

A. Jurisdiction of Hastings College

Generally, Hastings College jurisdiction and discipline shall be limited to conduct which occurs on College premises or which adversely affects the Hastings College community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. 

Hastings College does have jurisdiction to sanction a student for activities that take place off campus when those activities adversely affect the interests and/or reputation of the College or cause injury or harm to any person. The College is regularly notified of student violations of the law within the City of Hastings. Among those violations open to College sanction are: 1) disturbance of the peace, 2) selling alcohol without a license, 3) procuring alcohol for minors, and 4) any form of criminal violence to person or property. 

B. Conduct—Rules and Regulations

Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article V:

1. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:

   • Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty. (See the following section in this Handbook on “Academic Dishonesty.”)

   • Furnishing false, fraudulent, misrepresentation of self or information to any Hastings College office, faculty member, staff or administrator.

   • Forgery, alterations, or misuse of any Hastings College document, record, or instrument of identification.

   • Tampering with the election of any Hastings College recognized student organization.

2. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other College activities, including its public service functions on or off campus, or other authorized non-Hastings College activities, when the act occurs on College premises.

3. Physical abuse; verbal abuse; threats; intimidation; bullying or harassment; any kind of sexual violence including but not limited to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and abuse and sexual harassment; harassment of any kind; stalking; coercion and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.

4. Attempted or actual theft of and/or defacement, vandalism, or damage to property of Hastings College or property of a member of the College community or other personal or private property.

5. Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. It includes any activity that is expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them regardless of a person’s willingness to participate. Such activities and situations include, but are not limited to, paddling in any form, creating excessive fatigue, forced consumption of any substance (such as food, beverages, tobacco, alcohol), forced road trips, kidnapping, morally degrading games or stunts, or other activities prohibited by law or College policy.

   • Hastings College prohibits registered fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, other registered student organizations, persons or groups using College facilities, and individuals who are members of any such groups or organizations or who attend events or activities sponsored, organized or supported in any way by those organizations, from hazing members, prospective members, or other persons seeking to obtain benefits for services from any of those organizations

   • Hazing in any form is intolerable. This action will be subject to immediate investigation and the participants or organization involved will be held fully responsible for their misrepresentation of the College values and standards. Investigation will be seriously assessed with potential of review by College officials.

   • The act of hazing is not consistent with the mission or philosophy of Hastings College and will not be accepted as appropriate behavior. Students and/or student organizations who commit a hazing incident will be sanctioned accordingly to the Student Code of Conduct and policies; HC Cares policy. 

6. Failure to comply with directions of Hastings College officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.

7. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys (including electronic) to any Hastings College facilities or unauthorized entry to or use of any College facility.

8. Illegal use, possession, or distribution of any drug or other controlled substance or use, possession or distribution of any analog drug or other chemical substance, compound or combination when used to: induce an altered state; and/or including any otherwise lawfully available product (such as over the counter or prescription drugs) used for any purpose other than its intended use.

9. Possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on College premises.

10. Participation in a campus demonstration which disrupts the normal operations of the College and infringes on the rights of other members of the College community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus or at College-sponsored or supervised functions.

11. Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on College premises or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by Hastings College.

12. Attempted or actual theft or other abuse involving computers, cell phones or electronic devices and equipment including but not limited to:

    • Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the content or for any other purpose.

    • Unauthorized transfer of a file.

    • Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and password.

    • Use of a college owned technical device to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or College official.

    • Use of college owned technical devices to send obscene or abusive messages.

    • Use of college owned technical devices to interfere with normal operation of the Hastings College computing system.

13. Attempted or actual theft involving the Hastings College telephone system or other abuse including, but not limited to:

    • Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification or password

    • Use of the telephone system to send obscene and/or abusive messages.

14. Abuse of the Hastings College Judicial System, including but not limited to:

    • Failure to obey the summons of a judicial or College official.

    • Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a judicial body.

    • Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding.

    • Institution of a judicial proceeding knowingly without cause.

    • Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the judicial system.

    • Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body prior to and/or during the course of judicial proceedings.

    • Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a judicial body prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.

    • Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Student Code.

    • Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the judicial system.

15. Violation of published Hastings College policies, rules or regulations including rules adopted from time to time governing campus residential facilities.

16. Actual, attempted or promotion of violation of federal, state or local law on Hastings College premises or at Hastings College sponsored or supervised activities, or in any other setting.

V. SANCTIONS

Any of the following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Hastings College Student Code (this is not an exhaustive list). A decision as to whether a student has violated college policies and the Code of Conduct are made using the standard of preponderance of the evidence, in other words that an act was more likely than not to have occurred. 

1. Warning—A notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated institutional regulations.

2. Referral—to counseling services and/or law enforcement.

3. Loss of Privileges—Denial of specified privileges and/or participation in extracurricular activities for a designated period of time.

4. Fines—Appropriate fines may be imposed.

5. Termination of student employment.

6. Restitution/Restorative Practices—Compensation for loss, damage or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.

7. Discretionary Sanctions—Work assignments, service to the College or other related discretionary assignments (such assignments must have the prior approval of the Office of Student Engagement).

8. Administrative or Conduct Probation—probationary status for a specified period of time whereby subsequent infractions would trigger additional consequences, including suspension or expulsion. Conditions for successfully completing probationary status may be specified.

9. Campus Housing Suspension/withdrawal—separation of the student from the living on campus for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.

10. Campus Housing Expulsion—Permanent separation of the student from the residential areas.

11. College Suspension or Withdrawal—Separation of the student from Hastings College for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to re-turn. Conditions for readmission may be specified.

12. College Expulsion—Permanent separation of the student from Hastings College.

The institution may impose sanctions including revocation of scholarships for grave misconduct demonstrating flagrant disregard for the rights of others. In addition, the institution may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of processes set forth in this Code, including the completion of any sanctions imposed. In addition, deactivation—loss of privileges, including College recognition, for a specified period—may be imposed. The sanctions listed above may also be imposed upon groups or organizations. Other than College expulsion, disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student’s academic transcript, but shall become part of the student’s confidential record. These records are maintained for seven (7) years after final disposition of the case. 

Upon written request, the institution can release a student disciplinary proceeding for any violent crime or sexual misconduct offense where the incident results in the student’s death (the victim of the incident), to the student’s next of kin.  

VI. INTERPRETATION AND REVISION

1. Any questions of interpretation regarding the Student Code shall be referred to Student Engagement and/or the  of Hastings College for final determination.

2. The Student Code shall be reviewed every five (5) years or earlier if deemed necessary by the Office of Student Engagement .

All students who enroll at Hastings College are expected to abide by this Student Code of Conduct. The College, in turn, will attempt, during the student’s tenure, to lend advice, support, and counsel as solicited and/or needed.

All students, on or off campus, and their guests are expected to show consideration and exhibit respect for the residents of Hastings, especially close neighbors, and behave in a manner compatible with the standards of the larger community. In addition, all HC students are expected to exhibit respect for the social regulations, personnel, and property when visiting other colleges and communities.

VII. REFERRAL, HEARING PROCEDURES AND JURISDICTIONS

The student judicial system comprises systems that include the following: Community Accountability Board, Administrative Hearing, and Student Academic Affairs Committee. Reports of violations of Student Code of Conduct are referred to the respective body or office that is responsible for adjudication.

Reports or referrals of violations that occur in campus housing jurisdiction are referred to the Community Accountability Board. Students who are referred to these bodies are informed of hearing procedures. Reports or referrals for violations outside of these jurisdictions are referred to the Dean of Student Engagement or Vice President for Student Access, Enrollment, and Performance.

The Office of Student Engagement makes final determination of whether a case will be conducted through the Community Accountability Board or through the Administrative Hearing process. If the Office of Student Engagement determines that the referral will be adjudicated through CAB, the referral is forwarded to the Chair of CAB for further processing.

If the Office of Student Engagement determines that the referral will be adjudicated through the Administrative hearing process, the Office of Student Engagement promptly informs the student(s) of the violation(s) and the steps of submitting an appeal.

Referrals for violations can be made by any student, faculty or staff via an online form found here; however, referrals for violations that occur in residence halls and Bronco Village Apartments are typically made by the respective residence hall or Bronco Village Apartment staff. Hearings are closed to only the adjudicating body/administrator and the referred student(s). In cases related to Title IX involving sexual violence (including sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual exploitation, stalking, retaliation, intimidation, sexual harassment and hostile environment caused by sexual harassment), will be referred to the Title IX Coordinator. . In regard to all Title IX reporting and investigations,students (both the reporting and the responding party) may invite up to two advisors of their choosing to attend the investigation meetings. In the event that a student chooses to ask an advisor to be present at a hearing with the student, it is important to note that the advisor’s presence is for support and advice purposes only i.e., advisors are not permitted to speak for/on behalf of the student, or to otherwise engage in the proceedings in any way or to cross examine witnesses. Advisors may be friends, family members, attorneys or other people of the student’s choosing. However, if any advisor, including an attorney, is deemed to be disruptive or attempts to speak for or on behalf of the student or who attempts to participate in the proceedings, that advisor may be excluded from the hearing or meeting room.

Violations pertaining to academic dishonesty are typically addressed by individual faculty; procedures are delineated below under the section Academic Dishonesty and can also be found in the Hastings College Academic Catalog.

Community Accountability Board (CAB)

Membership

1. Hall Representative

   1. Students will be invited to apply to serve on the CAB each academic year.

   2. Students will be elected (or appointed if only a single applicant or in the absence of an applicant) at the beginning of the fall semester and serve for the full academic year.

   3. If a vote is required, the student representative will be selected via an electronic vote of the hall’s residents to serve on the Board.

2. Campus House/Off Campus Representative

   1. Students will be elected/appointed at the beginning of the fall semester and serve for the full academic year.

   2. If a vote is required, the student representative will be selected via an electronic vote with the Campus House residents to serve on the Board.

   3. The Campus Houses/Off Campus commuters will have one representative.

3. Bronco Village Apartment Representative

   1. Students will be elected/appointed at the beginning of the fall semester and serve for the full academic year.

   2. If an election is required, the student representative will be selected via an electronic vote with the Bronco Village Apartment residents to serve on the Board.

   3. The Bronco Village Apartments will have one representative.

Jurisdiction and Responsibilities

1. To hear and to determine findings for cases involving violations of the Code of Conduct committed inside or on the property of an individual residence hall, campus house, or Bronco Village Apartment. 

Powers

1. Determine findings for a student of either responsible or not responsible for violating the Code of Conduct.

2. Forward to case to the Dean of Student Engagement to determine a sanction for the violation.

Appeal

If the Community Accountability Board hears a case, offenders have the right to appeal a decision to the Dean of Student Engagement or the Vice President of Student Access, Enrollment, & Performance. See Appeals Procedures for details about the appeals process.

VIII. APPEALS PROCEDURES

In cases adjudicated by the Community Accountability Board, an individual may make an appeal to the Office of Student Engagement. In all other cases, appeal will originate with the Office of Student Engagement.  In cases adjudicated by the Dean of Student Engagement, an appeal may be made to the Vice President of Student Access, Enrollment, & Performance. The appeal must be within five (5) business days following the receipt of the decision/sanction. Appeal must be in writing and clearly state one of the reasons listed below:

1. Flagrant violation of one of the procedures in the judicial systems document that could change the outcome of the decision; or

2. Discovery of new evidence that was not available at the time of the decision; or

3. The severity of the sanctions.

If the appeals body, Dean of Student Engagement, or Vice President of Student Access, Enrollment, & Performance determines that there is sufficient justification, they may ask the adjudicating body or individual to reconsider the case. Decisions by appeal bodies and individuals are binding.  A student may only appeal once during the process of a case adjudication.

Room, House and Apartment Searches

• When there is reasonable suspicion that the health and safety of residents is in jeopardy or believe that the following are present: drugs, stolen property, weapons, explosives, alcohol (in areas where it is prohibited), or there is other reasonable suspicion that a college policy violation has occurred, the college reserves the right to enter rooms, Campus Houses and Bronco Village Apartments for inspection purposes. 

• If the college administration deems it necessary, the rooms, Campus Houses or Bronco Village Apartments may be searched and the occupants may be required to open any personal material that is closed or sealed. (See also Inspection and Room Entry by College Staff in Life on Campus.)

Academic Dishonesty

Please refer to the Student Academic Policies for information about Academic Dishonesty.