Student Code of Conduct & Student Conduct Process

Student Code of Conduct

The student code of conduct (“code”) maintains the integrity of the college mission and promotes a safe learning environment. Unwillingness or inability of a student to abide by the code may result in disciplinary actions.

The College expects a culture of respect free from harassment and bullying and similar behaviors, whether verbal or physical.

Students shall:

• Be responsible college citizens, respecting the dignity, rights and freedoms of others, individual differences, and diversity.
• Practice academic honesty. Students shall not cheat, plagiarize, or steal examinations or course material.
• Not obstruct or disrupt teaching or authorized college activities and functions on college premises or at college-sponsored events, or in the community.
• Not make unauthorized entry to or use of college facilities or block access to or egress from such areas.
• Not participate in physical or verbal abuse or behave in a manner that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person on college premises or at college–sponsored functions. Students shall not participate in sexual or other harassment of any member of the college community, or display conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or obscene.
• Respect the property of others. Students shall not steal or damage college property or that of a member of the College community or a visitor to the College.
• Use college supplies, equipment, and funds only as authorized by college employees.
• Not use, possess, or distribute alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, substances, instruments, or other weapons or items that can be used to inflict bodily harm or material damage on college premises or at college-sponsored functions. Exception: prior written approval may be requested by the College for in-class display or demonstration; see “Marijuana, Alcohol, and Controlled Substances” in this handbook.
• Comply with directions of college officials acting in the performance of their duties, including requests to provide identification. Students shall not violate college policies or regulations, nor any local, state, or federal laws or regulations.
• Refrain from use of tobacco and related products on college premises or at college-sponsored events other than as permitted in designated areas. See “Smoking and Tobacco” in this handbook.
• Not have cell phones or other electronic devices on audible response while in classrooms, the Learning Resource Center, or other learning environments.
• Not knowingly give false information to the College, or forge, alter, or misuse college documents, records, or identification.

Violations of Law and Conduct

College proceedings may be instituted against a student without regard to any pending criminal charges or civil litigation arising from the same violation. College proceedings may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings. The College reserves the right to file civil or criminal charges against students when appropriate.

The College recognizes that conduct sanctions, based on different evidentiary standards than a legal case, might influence a criminal or civil matter. In such cases, the student conduct officer in consultation with the president, will determine whether the college process should proceed concurrently with any external process. The College may elect to postpone a hearing pending the outcome of a court case, but is not obligated to do so. A student who is disciplined, suspended or expelled by a hearing officer for behavior that was also alleged to be illegal and is later found not guilty of charges by a criminal or civil court may appeal the College ruling to the vice president of Student Affairs.

When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, the College will not request nor agree to special consideration of the accused due to student status. If the alleged offense also involved a College conduct proceeding, the College may advise authorities of the existence and details of the College process.

Expressive Conduct Guidelines

Klamath Community College fully supports open expression and free speech by students and the public. This is called “expressive conduct” and includes speech, literature distribution, displays/signs, petition circulation, vigils, and other forms of free expression. Except in cases where evidence exists of the potential for material and substantial disruption of the learning environment or campus operations (including, but not limited to, infringing on the rights of others), KCC does not regulate the content of expressive conduct; however, in order to maintain safety and the College mission, KCC does regulate the time, place, and manner of these activities on college property.

Members of the public who are interested in reserving space at KCC for a free speech or expressive conduct activity should review the guidelines below before submitting the KCC facility use form (found online at https://www.klamathcc.edu/Community/Facilities). Designated space:

• is available on all KCC properties;
• is available on a first-come, first-serve basis; and
• requires a KCC facility use form 3 to 30 days in advance.

Purpose and Authority

One of the ways KCC fulfills its mission is by maintaining an environment that enables the free exchange of ideas without regard to the viewpoint expressed, ensuring that the educational environment for delivering accessible, quality education is preserved for the students and communities the College serves.

Authority to regulate access to its property is provided to KCC by ORS 341.290 and affirmed through Board of Education Policy 6700 - Facilities Use. In exercising its authority, KCC seeks to avoid regulating content of expressive conduct at applicable sites except in cases where it deems there is evidence of the potential for material and substantial disruption of the learning environment or campus operations. KCC seeks to regulate only time, place, and/or manner of expressive conduct in order to maintain its ability to carry out its educational mission without interruption and to ensure safety on sites under its authority.

This college document is intended to specify the criteria that KCC will apply in exercising this authority.

Applicability

This policy applies to property that Klamath Community College owns, leases, rents or otherwise occupies. In the case of leases and rentals, it applies only to the spaces that KCC actually rents and not the larger property. This policy is not intended to regulate KCC-owned property for which KCC has granted easements to other public agencies or that KCC has leased to other public or private entities. The rationale for this is that KCC does not have operating control of these properties.

Definition of Expressive Conduct

Expressive conduct includes speech, non-verbal expression, literature distribution, displays and signs, petition circulation, vigils, and other forms of self-expression.

KCC Forums of Public Expression

This defines the “place” within which public expression occurs at Klamath Community College as a “forum.” The following identifies types of forums at KCC.

Traditional Public Forums

Public sidewalks and city rights of way adjoining a Klamath Community College site are considered traditional public forums.

Examples include the sidewalks on the periphery of most KCC sites. Expressive conduct on these sites is not regulated by KCC, but may be regulated by other public entities. KCC reserves the right to address conduct that substantially disrupts or may substantially disrupt KCC’s educational activities even if it occurs on property KCC does not control.

Non-public Forums

Klamath Community College’s buildings and virtual infrastructure are created for the purpose of providing instruction and educational services to students, and the necessary college support for those services. Accordingly, these spaces are non-public forums and are not forums for expressive conduct. These spaces (physical or virtual) include:

• classrooms, laboratories, shops, and all instructional preparation areas;
• recreational fields, tracks, and other outdoor areas designated for physical education;
• service areas and resource centers;
• libraries;
• faculty, staff, and administrative offices;
• infrastructure systems spaces (shops, warehouses, electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, IT rooms, etc.);
• parking lots, roadways, driveways, garages, bus/shuttle stops and shelters, and entrances/exits to buildings;
• restrooms and hallways;
• food service and dining areas;
• infrastructure devoted to ADA accommodation needs (ramps, lifts, etc.);
• farms, gardens, and solar array areas;
• bulletin boards other than those specified as designated public forum areas;
• college printed publications (catalogs, schedules, journals, magazines, etc.);
• college electronic administrative, instructional, communication, or information systems (email, Jenzabar, MyKCC, Canvas, etc.); and
• any generally designated public forum that is in use for a specific College or KCC student sponsored activity or event.

Designated Public Forums

Certain areas of Klamath Community College-owned property are designated public forums. KCC recognizes the importance of social discourse and the free exchange of ideas in areas generally available to students and the community. These areas provide visibility and allow communication with a large number of people; however, they are not likely to disrupt educational and other activities central to fulfilling the mission of the College. In these areas, the College has established board and administrative procedures (BP/AP 3900 - Speech: Time, Place, and Manner) necessary to reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of the free expression only. Areas considered generally available to students and the community include:

• External facilities spaces (outside of buildings). Most space outside KCC buildings that is not specifically identified as a non-public forum is considered generally available to students and the community and thus considered as designated public forums, as long as expression complies with limitations and prohibited activities (identified below).
• Internal facilities spaces (inside buildings). KCC identifies certain physical spaces inside of buildings that are, practically speaking, generally available to students and the community and may be available for free expression activities, as long as expression complies with limitations and prohibited activities (identified below).
• Bulletin boards. KCC identifies bulletin boards for designated public forum use in posting materials. These bulletin boards are marked “For General Use” and located in areas generally available to students and the community. All materials must bear the name and contact information of the organization or individual distributing the materials and is limited in size, duration of posting, and lawfulness of content. All print material for posting on bulletin boards must be approved and stamped at the reception desk in Founders Hall prior to posting.
• Virtual spaces. There are times when KCC specifically identifies electronic media venues that invite public comment, such as blogs, story walls, or web pages hosted through klamathcc.edu. These virtual spaces are considered designated public forums for the purpose of social discourse and the exchange of ideas.

Limitation Related to Designated Public Forums

• User must provide notification and obtain approval from the College for use of designated public forum space through the KCC facility use form process.
• User fully understands that KCC approval for use of designated public forum space does not indicate agreement of KCC, its Board of Education, officers, employees, or students with the content expressed during the use of such designated public forum space. User agrees that approval of such use does not indicate endorsement or sponsorship of the approved activity, and in no manner may the user advertise the activity or its content of in such a way to suggest or indicate endorsement or sponsorship by KCC without express written approval.
• Use will conform to the site or the College’s normal operating hours.
• Use of space may not impede the passage of others or operations of the College.
• Users will not force or coerce any individual to take materials or sign petitions, nor make physical contact with individuals.
• Internal facilities space use will generally be limited to one table and two chairs due to space constraints in order to assure greater access to space. Users may not bring extra tables, chairs, rack or display devices that would extend the allocated space.
• Use will not require the College to provide special support services or insurance coverage. Should an activity require the College to provide special support or incur costs, the user must be willing to pay for such services or costs.
• KCC reserves the right to close or temporarily limit use of any designated public forum area for a College or KCC student-sponsored activity/event OR for health, safety, or welfare considerations.
• KCC may disapprove, or discontinue at any time during the event, any activity which in the determination of KCC administration demonstrates the potential for material and substantial disruption of the learning environment or campus operations.

Prohibited Activities in Designated Public Forums

• Any activity that disrupts the ability of the College to fulfill its mission of instruction and related services and business operations. Examples include, but are not limited to, excessive noise, impeding traffic or pedestrian movement, and unlawful conduct.
• Any activity that may damage college property.
• Leaving trash, litter, pollutants, or other materials in any area.
• Distribution/solicitation by placing materials on vehicles.
• Fraud or misrepresentation of self/organization or misrepresentation/implication that the College sponsors, supports, or endorses any view, belief, statement, literature, company, product, or service being disseminated or exhibited.
• Any activity in violation of the KCC student conduct code.
• Any violation of the College’s non-discrimination/non-harassment policy.

Space Use Application and User Agreement

Individuals or groups wishing to engage in speech or expressive activities in designated public forums shall provide notification and agreement with terms of use through the Klamath Community College facility use form (found online at https://www.klamathcc.edu/en-US/about/administrative-services/facilities/index.html). In general, submission is required at least three and no more than 30 business days in advance of desired space use. Exceptions to the notification period are made for expressive conduct activities in external facilities spaces that do not require table/chairs or other space set-up and for bulletin board postings.

Notification must include the name and contact information of the individual or group and describe the nature of the activities. As appropriate, requests should be made for desired time of use and specific geographical location within designated public forum space. Approvals are made on a first-come, first-served basis after review of request for any conflict with prior-approved expressive conduct and/or college-sponsored events.

Special Consideration for KCC Student Organizations

In addition to the general right of access to designated public forum spaces, any recognized Klamath Community College student club or organization may seek to reserve the use of specific areas by completing the KCC facility use form at least one day in advance. Recognized student clubs and organizations will have priority over other persons or entities seeking specific space use.

College-Sponsored Vigils

From time to time, Klamath Community College receives requests for the College to officially coordinate, support, or sponsor a vigil for an individual or group that has a direct connection to the institution. In such cases, the request will be reviewed by KCC administration but must meet the following criteria:

The subject of the vigil must:

• have been a member or supporter of KCC;
• have made a recognizable impact to a significant portion of the KCC community; and
• have been in good standing (academically and conduct-related) at the time of death.

Requests for College-sponsored vigils may be made via email to the Vice President of Student Affairs (see AP 3900).

If a request for a College-sponsored vigil is not approved, the requestor has the option to continue with a memorial event on campus through the submission of the facilities use form and the payment of appropriate rental fees. The non-approval of a vigil request does not prohibit the event from taking place, but designates it as one that is not KCC-sponsored. In these cases, the requester agrees that any such vigil on campus does not indicate endorsement or sponsorship of the activity, and in no manner may the user advertise the vigil or its content in such a way to suggest or indicate endorsement or sponsorship by KCC.

Enforcement

Campus administration, in partnership with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Substation at Klamath Community College, shall enforce the provisions of this policy. Any person failing to comply with this policy may be denied use of facilities for purposes of free expression.

Dispute Resolution

Any person or recognized student organization who believes unlawful, unreasonable, or arbitrary limitations have been imposed on any of their speech or other expressive activities under this policy may file a formal complaint through the Klamath Community College complaint process, found at https://www.klamathcc.edu/en-US/safe-campus/concern-or-incident-form.html.

Student Conduct Process

The student conduct officer manages the conduct process in keeping with college policy. The student conduct officer may also serve as the hearing officer if not directly involved in the incident; otherwise a different managerial-level employee is assigned the role. For alleged serious violations, or if a student does not accept a disciplinary sanction, the matter may be escalated to the vice president of Student Affairs. Title IX officer serves as the college-wide clearinghouse for Title IX, and steers investigatory and hearing processes as appropriate, recognizing that a given violation may trigger multiple avenues of response when not only college policies are violated, but federal regulations may have been violated as well.

Academic Integrity Violations

Students are subject to disciplinary action if they intentionally or unintentionally:

• Represent someone else’s work or ideas, including those copied from online searches, as their own (plagiarism). Note that instructors may submit a selection of papers each term for review of potential student plagiarism.
• Use inappropriate or prohibited aids for an examination or graded assignment including but not limited to others’ answers, notes, phone or other electronic devices, and test files (cheating).
• Hand in work done for a different class without written instructor permission from both classes.

The conduct officer, in consultation with the instructor and academic dean, will decide first academic integrity complaints. The penalty for a first offense may include failure of the assignment, or in severe cases, there is potential for a conduct hearing. Second violations of academic integrity go to the conduct officer for action. A second offense may result in a conduct hearing with possible outcomes of course failure, academic dismissal or suspension, or other sanctions.

Students may challenge an instructor’s accusation of a violation by using a student complaint form available online at https://www.klamathcc.edu/en-US/safe-campus/concern-or-incident-form.html

Alleged Conduct Violations

Members of the college community must report misconduct. Alleged infractions of the code, college policy, law or regulation, or of a standard in the handbook are reported to the conduct officer who determines if there is sufficient evidence of a violation to proceed.

All submitted reports will be provided to the respondent before any hearing. The conduct officer may dispose of issues without a hearing if acceptable to all parties.

Appeals

Students may appeal decisions of the hearing officer to the vice president of Student Affairs. If the vice president of Student Affairs served as the hearing officer or has a conflict, another vice president may hear the appeal. The hearing officer provides appeal instructions to students at the time sanctions are imposed. Except when new evidence arises, appeals are limited to review of the record of the hearing to determine:

• If the hearing was conducted fairly in light of the allegations and evidence, in conformity with procedures, and adequate time allowed;
• If the decision reached was based on substantial evidence, and that it was more likely than not that the violation occurred;
• If the sanctions imposed were appropriate to the violation;
• If any new evidence is sufficient to alter a decision or require further review; and
• If restitution and learning opportunities were considered as alternatives for non-severe violations that did not involve violence, property damage, or violation of laws.

Conduct Records

Other than expulsion, sanctions are not part of the student’s academic record but are part of confidential records in the office of the student conduct officer. These files are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and will be maintained for seven years after the date of the incident. After that, disciplinary notes may be expunged except for major infractions that caused significant risk or actual injury to the safety or well-being of any members of the college community, including the student.

Due Process

The conduct officer ensures that due process is met, providing the accused student with:

• reasonable notice of charges and hearing time and date,
• adequate opportunity to read any written documentation describing charges,
• opportunity to be heard and to present evidence and other information,
• presumption of non-guilt until evidence shows otherwise, and
• process in conformity with policy and in proportion to the level of potential sanctions.

Exceptional Circumstances

The College reserves the right, when safety and well-being are at stake, for the student conduct officer, in consultation with the president, to intervene and address a matter administratively through sanctions or alternative remedies. This option may be invoked to reduce immediate threat to life or property or when a situation warrants a non-disciplinary response.

Hearings

Conduct hearings are conducted in closed meetings. In hearings involving multiple respondents, the hearing officer may permit separate hearings. Witnesses may be heard as deemed appropriate by the hearing officer, who may accept as evidence pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements. Conduct hearings (excluding deliberations) shall be audio recorded. Detailed notes are kept.

Respondents have the right to be helped by an advocate at the student’s expense, if any. Advocates are not permitted to participate in a hearing, but may attend to advise the student. The name of any advocate must be reported to the conduct officer and hearing officer at least two business days before the hearing. The hearing officer may invite another college employee to witness the hearing or notetaking. If a student fails to appear for the hearing, the hearing officer will reach a decision based on available evidence.

Roles

Student conduct officer - Determines the appropriate process to follow for compliance with College policy on violations of college regulations and the student code of conduct. Ensures due process and compliance with college policy. The conduct officer may also serve as hearing officer when there is no conflict in doing so. Title IX officer - Determines the appropriate process to follow for compliance with violations of Title IX and other federal regulations.

Student Conduct Hearing Board - Appointed by the Vice President of Student Affairs. Overseen by the hearing officer, the hearing board reviews allegations, decides if a violation occurred, and recommends sanctions.

Hearing officer - Conducts hearings, oversees recordkeeping, directs any disciplinary subcommittee, decides if a violation occurred, and decides sanctions. The conduct officer may serve as the hearing officer when there is no conflict.

Respondent - The student accused of a code or other violation.

Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA) - Appeals go to the VPSA, whose decisions are final except for expulsions, sanctions which must be approved by the President, and which may be appealed to the President.

Sanctions

Sanctions decided by the hearing officer are communicated to the respondent via the conduct officer and may be:

• Warning                               • Restitution
• Loss of privileges                • Behavioral assessments
• Fines                                   • Probation
• Expulsion (Permanent removal from the College, which requires the KCC president’s approval.)

Standard of Evidence

Decisions are based on a “preponderance of evidence” - whether it is more likely than not that a violation occurred. Technical rules of evidence applicable to civil and criminal cases do not apply to conduct hearings, decisions, or appeals.

Temporary Exclusion or Dismissal from Class

Dismissal or temporary exclusion from a class, laboratory, teaching area, operational area, activity, or event may be necessary for safety and the preservation of the learning environment. Behaviors resulting in dismissal or exclusion from class include, but are not limited to:

• threat to the safety of the student being dismissed (e.g., refusal to follow safety procedures);
• violation of College regulations;
• allegation reported;
• danger to the safety of other students, college employees, or property;
• disruption of the educational process and/or the orderly conduct of the class, laboratory, teaching area, activity, or event; and
• violation of the law.

In such cases, the conduct officer may pursue an informal resolution or call a formal hearing, serving as the hearing officer if appropriate. If pursued formally, a hearing is called within 10 workdays of the allegation, except that if the Student Conduct Board is needed, the hearing will be held within 15 workdays of the allegation.

Informal resolution may include the following sanctions:

• discretionary educational sanctions,
• trespass from designated locations, or
• suspension (temporary removal from the College).

When an employee responsible for an area determines that temporary exclusion or dismissal from class is necessary, he or she has the authority to direct a student to leave. Students who believe they have been dismissed or excluded inappropriately have the right to file a complaint (see below).

Timelines

1. The conduct officer informs the respondent of the allegation within five business days of receiving the intial complaint or report.
2. The conduct officer may pursue an informal resolution or call a formal hearing, serving as hearing officer if appropriate.
3. If the matter is resolved informally, no further action is needed except that the process and outcome are documented.
4. If pursued formally, a hearing is called within 10 workdays of the allegation, except when the Student Conduct Board is needed, then it will hold the hearing within 15 workdays of the allegation.
5. Within five business days of the hearing, the conduct officer will inform the respondent of the decision.
6. Within five business days of being informed of the decision, the respondent must meet with the conduct officer to go over any sanctions.
7. Students can appeal sanctions to the VPSA within 10 business days of notification of the decision.
8. A student may appeal expulsion to the president within 10 business days of a VPSA denial. Other sanctions have no appeal after the VPSA.

Sex Discrimination & Sex-based Harassment - Title IX 

Title IX provides protection against sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment. Klamath Community College is committed to creating a learning and working environment that ensures equal access and opportunity to education and resources for all of its students, free of bias, discrimination, and harassment. This includes (for a more detailed overview of the KCC Title IX administrative regulations, go to: 

https://www.klamathcc.edu/en-US/safe-campus/title-ix.html

Sexual Assault

An offense classified as a forcible or nonforcible sex offense under the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual conduct that creates a hostile, intimidating, or unsafe environment. See page 25 for more information regarding Klamath Community College’s sexual harassment policy. We understand that sexual violence can undermine students’ academic success, and we encourage students who have experienced any form of sexual misconduct or discrimination to talk to someone about their experience in order to get the support they need.

Quid Pro Quo Harassment

An employee, agent, or other person authorized by the College to provide an aid, benefit or service under the College’s education program or activity explicitly or impliedly conditioning the provision of such an aid, benefit, or service on a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.

Domestic Violence

Felony or misdemeanor crimes committed by a person who is a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, or a person similiarly situated to a spouse of the victim; is cohabiting, or has cohabited, with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; shares a child in common with the victim; or commits acts against a youth or adult victim who is protected from those acts under state, federal or local law.

Dating Violence

Any violence by a person who has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim. Whether there was such a relationship will be assessed by its length, type, and frequency of interaction.​

Stalking

Stalking includes, but is not limited to, the persistent, severe or pervasive harassment of another person in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to feel frightened (for his/her safety or the safety of others), intimidated, threatened, harassed or molested, or suffer substantial emotional distress. This may include repeatedly contacting another person (through any means, such as in person, by phone, electronic means, text messaging, etc.), following another person, or having others contact another person on your behalf.​

Sex-based harassment (including gender-based bullying)

Unequal or disadvantageous treatment of an individual or group of individuals based on sex, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Hostile Environment Harassment

Unwelcome sex-based conduct that is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from KCC’s education program or activities.

Discrimination Against Pregnant and Parenting Students

It is prohibited to discriminate against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions as well as prohibiting the application of any rule related to a student’s parental, family, or marital status that treats students differently based on their sex. Parental status includes a prohibition of discrimination against students on the basis of their being adoptive parents, stepparents, or legal guardians. Students who are pregnant have the right to be informed of who the Title IX coordinator is and their authority to assist the student if they are discriminated against on the basis of pregnancy.

Hazing

Hazing is defined as acts likely to cause physical or psychological harm or social ostracism to any person within the college community, when related to the admission, initiation, pledging, joining, or any other group affiliation activity. If you have experienced or observed sexual violence/assault, harassment, or discrimination of any kind, you can make a report online at www.klamathcc.edu/complaints, or you may contact the Title IX officer at (541) 880-2202 or titleIX@klamathcc.edu​

Retaliation

The College will not tolerate retaliation against a person who brings a participates in the Title IX process. Retaliation includes intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any person by the College, a student, or an employee or other person authorized by the College to provide aid, benefit, or service, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or because the person has reported information, made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under the regulations. KCC may require employees to participate as witnesses or to assist with an investigation, proceeding or hearing. 

Compliance of Title IX Requirements

Through the Title IX officer, the College maintains the following points of compliance:

• Grievance procedures to resolve employee and student complaints.
• Notification to all students and employees that the Title IX officer is the coordinator for all Title IX complaints.
• Dissemination of a notice of non-discrimination on the basis of sex included in class schedule, catalog, admissions forms, and the college’s website, as well as other electronic notifications.
• Affirmation that the college’s non-discrimination policy for prohibited sex discrimination covers sexual harassment, including sexual violence, with examples of the type of conduct that it covers in appropriate publications.
• To enforce Title IX, the U.S. Department of Education maintains an Office for Civil Rights, with headquarters in Washington, DC, and 12 offices across the United States.

Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights

​The Campus Sexual Assault Victim Bill of Rights was an amendment to the Clery Act in 1992. This section of the law affords students with certain rights as soon as they report a sexual assault. These rights apply in all reported cases of sexual assault, not just those that happen in Clery geography. Upon reporting a sexual assault, the accuser must be informed of:

• the right to counseling services both on and off campus;

• the right to notify law enforcement and assistance in doing so if he or she desires to; and

• the option to change his or her housing or academic schedule, if reasonable.

For example, if a student is enrolled in the same class as his or her alleged attacker, changing their course schedule may be something that he or she would request as an accommodation for this traumatic event. The same may be true for other conflicts. Accommodating such requests is mandatory, if reasonably available.

Sexual Harassment Policy 

​Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for employees and under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 for students. Student complaints are addressed to the student conduct officer and Title IX officer, who determines the applicable process for response and which college officials to include.

Any employee found guilty of sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Any student found guilty of sexual harassment shall be subject to discipline in accordance with the student code of conduct up to and including expulsion.

Sexual harassment is physical or verbal conduct that may include, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, such as in the following cases:

• Submission is either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or educational opportunity.

• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment.

Formal allegations of sexual harassment carry potentially serious consequences to the person charged. Such allegations should be made if warranted, but should be made with accuracy and truthfulness, through the most confidential and direct means possible.

Informal Resolution

Students who feel they have been subjected to sex-based harassment or discrimination may choose to pursue an informal resolution by discussing the concerns with the Title IX officer. Every effort will be made to maintain complainant privacy and autonomy.

Formal Resolution

Title IX officer will counsel the complainant to follow formal grievance procedures if the complainant chooses to not use the informal resolution process or if the informal resolution fails.

Marijuana, Alcohol, and Controlled Substances

Klamath Community College is dedicated to a learning environment that is safe and free of detrimental influences of drug and alcohol abuse. Alcohol may be consumed on college premises only with the prior written consent of the president, and alcohol consumption by any person under age 21 is always prohibited.

Unlawful manufacturing, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol, marijuana (including medical), or controlled substances on college premises is prohibited. Anyone under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substance may be removed from college premises.

Violations will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination from college jobs, expulsion from classes, being trespassed from college premises, and referral to law enforcement.

A criminal conviction for illegal use of drugs may bar a student from some careers, suspend employment with the College, result in seized property and assets, result in loss of driving privileges, require mandatory treatment, block receipt of financial aid, or have other adverse consequences.

Information regarding alcohol or drug treatment is available through Student Services. Crisis intervention is available through the Alcohol and Drug Helpline/Youth line at 800-923-4357, National 24- Hour Alcohol Drug Treatment Help and Referral Network at 800-996-3784, Narcotics Anonymous at 541-883-4976, Alcoholics Anonymous at 541-883-4970, and community care programs listed in online phone directories.​

Smoking and Tobacco

Use of tobacco and related substances is prohibited on college premises except for designated smoking and tobacco shelters and the interior of personal vehicles. Fines may be imposed for noncompliance. Smoking shelters are located:

• South of Building 4
• South of Building 5
• West behind Building 6

Smoking and Tobacco Cessation Resources:
Cessation Counseling for Tribal Members……………………………………………………………………. 541-882-1487
Freedom from Smoking - Smoking Cessation Classes …………………………………………………. 541-274-7250
Not on Tobacco - Tobacco Cessation Program for Youth……………………………………………….. 541-883-3471
Oregon Tobacco Quit Line (800-QUIT-NOW) ………………………………………………………………. 800-784-8669