The College Student Conduct System

MCLA is committed to student self‑governance and direct responsibility in the safeguarding of personal and community rights. In order to fulfill this commitment the College has established policies to protect the rights of others while, at the same time, giving due process to any person accused of violation of these rights or policies. On the other hand, when students are convicted of violating a law of the larger community, that is, county, State or Federal law, the College will not request special consideration because of their status as college students. Being a student does not make one immune from prosecution for violation of these laws. Because the College also recognizes many different student groups and student organizations, and these organizations will often act as if they are individuals, the standards and processes described in this Handbook are also considered applicable to such groups and organizations. Violations of College policy whenever the conduct in question occurs in any of the following circumstances may be subject to College disciplinary action;

if it occurs on the Campus or in any College facility;
if it occurs while the student who is charged was attending or participating in any College-related activity (such as athletic contests, field trips, study abroad programs or social events);
if the conduct, wherever it occurs, calls in question the student's suitability as a member of the College community such as but not limited to, acts of violence, violations of another's civil rights, hazing, the unlawful sale or possession of drugs, the unlawful use of alcoholic beverages and crimes against persons or property. These and similar behaviors will subject a student to College discipline regardless of where the conduct occurs.

The fact that a student's conduct may also constitute a crime in violation of local, State, or Federal law does not limit the ability of the College to discipline the student for that conduct. The College, therefore, always reserves the right to submit a complaint to the Student Conduct System even if the same conduct is or may become the subject of a criminal or civil case. If there are ever any questions concerning the procedure or any other aspect of the student conduct system, students should ask for clarification before the hearing. This may be done by contacting the Student Affairs Division Office.