• RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Drug
  • Campus Attire
  • Parking Regulations
  • Attendance
  • Complaints-Equal Opportunity
  • Student Complaint Policy
  • General Policy on Institutional Response to AIDS
  • Academic Forgiveness Policy
  • Probation and Dismissal Policy
  • Computer Systems Use Policy

Policy on Academic Dishonesty (Cheating)

Henry Ford Community College considers academic dishonesty to be a serious offense. It is the policy of the College that determination of and appropriate action in respect to academic dishonesty by a student shall be a matter of individual judgment by the instructor. The instructor may administer a penalty up to and including failure in the particular course. It is the professional obligation of the faculty to enforce academic integrity in their courses.

Academic dishonesty is any activity intended to improve a student’s grade fraudulently.* It includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1.  Unauthorized acquisition of tests or alteration of grades (such as the stealing of tests, test keys, or grade books from faculty offices or elsewhere, or the purchasing of tests or grade books);

2.  Unauthorized use of notes, books, or other prohibited materials during an examination;

3. Open cheating on an examination (such as copying from another student’s paper);

4.  Permitting another person to take a test in the student’s place or receiving unauthorized assistance with any work for which academic credit is received;

5.  Providing unauthorized assistance with any work for which academic credit is received;

6.  Revision of graded work in an attempt to receive additional credit fraudulently;

7.  Plagiarism (using another person’s work without acknowledgment);

8.  Any other conduct intended to obtain academic credit fraudulently or dishonestly.

If an instructor fails a student in a course for academic dishonesty, the instructor must immediately notify in writing the student and the registrar of the infraction, retaining copies of both notifications.

The registrar maintains a record of all such violations.  If a student fails two classes as a result of academic dishonesty, he or she is dismissed from the College for two academic years. In addition, a notation of the reason for academic dismissal is placed on the student’s transcript. The notation may be expunged at the discretion of the appropriate vice president if the student petitions for its removal after at least two years have elapsed since the disciplinary action.

If a student believes that the accusation is false, he or she may appeal through the Student Complaint Procedure.  If the appeal reaches the Student Complaint Board, the Board may consider only whether the charge is justified. The Board may not set aside or change the penalty given by the instructor unless the charge of academic dishonesty is set aside.

*Any action that violates the Student Conduct Policy and Due Process Procedure is also subject to review under that policy.

Student Conduct Policy and Due Process Procedure
PREAMBLE
Henry Ford Community College is a comprehensive community college dedicated to maintaining  a teaching-learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, personal integrity, and  self-esteem. We value the diversity of our educational community and of the communities we serve. The purpose of this document is to define a collegiate standard of behavior and to explain the actions to be taken if a student disregards this standard.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Students have the rights and accept the responsibilities of participating in an educational environment when they enroll at HFCC. Each  student is expected to respect the rights of others  and to help create an environment where diversity of people and ideas is valued. A collegiate  community should be free from intimidation, discrimination, and harassment, as well as safe from  violence. Students are also expected to know and obey federal and state laws and local ordinances, as well as be responsible for following College policies.

Students at HFCC have the same rights under the  constitutions of our nation and state as other citizens. These rights include freedom of expression, press, religion, and assembly. Freedom of expression, for example, includes the expression of reasoned dissent and the voicing of unpopular views. With every freedom goes the responsibility  of according the same right to others. All students have the right to be treated fairly and to have access to College policies. Students are entitled to appropriate due process should they be accused of behavior that is in violation of laws or College  policy.

I.  GENERAL

1. The purpose of this policy, Student Conduct Policy and Due Process Procedure, is to help protect the safety and well-being of the campus community and to assist the  College in providing an environment that supports the educational process. The responsibility for maintaining such an environment is shared by all members of  the College community.

2. This policy deals with non-academic behavior, such as criminal behavior and disorderly conduct. Academic behavior, such as cheating, is dealt with in the Student Handbook and the Faculty Handbook.

3. The Student Conduct Policy may be amended with the approval of the College Organization. The Due Process Procedure may be amended with the approval of the Senate, the Vice President/Dean of Student Services, and the President of the College.

4. The College’s Board of Trustees retains the  ultimate right to make and enforce rules relating to student conduct and discipline.

II. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Students at HFCC are expected to show respect for order, law, the personal rights of others, and the educational mission of the College, as well as to maintain standards of personal integrity.

Behavior or situations that violate these  standards include, but are not limited to:

1. interference with normal College or College-sponsored activities, including, but not limited to: teaching, College administration, and College Board meetings;

2. non-compliance with the directions of  College personnel, including campus safety, or with the orders of any College board, such as the Student Center Board;

3. violation of accepted standards of decency

4. discrimination against an individual or group in any activity, opportunity, or organization on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status;

5. harassment that interferes with an individual’s work or educational performance;

6. physical assault;

7. stalking;

8. threats of injury or harm;

9. arson;

10. theft;

11. gambling;

12. property damage;

13. possession of firearms or dangerous weapons;

14. possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs.

The complete text of this policy is available in the office of the Vice President/Dean of Student Services, 430A Administrative Services and Conference Center.

Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Drugs
As a public institution, Henry Ford Community  College operates under the guidelines of Federal Public Act 101-226, entitled Drug Free Schools and Campuses, passed in 1990. This law states that students must be informed of the College’s rules and sanctions relative to drugs and must be informed of health risks related to the use of drugs and of counseling assistance available at the College.

College Rules
Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic  beverages and drugs is forbidden on campus. Persons appearing on campus while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs, except as expressly permitted by law, will be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.

Possession, consumption, sale, or purchase of any  controlled substance which is illegal under state or federal law is prohibited on the campus of Henry Ford Community College.

College Sanctions
Disciplinary action may consist of payment of fines, verbal reprimand, restitution of damages, restriction of privileges, disciplinary probation, suspension, dismissal, and/or notation on the student’s record of dismissal or suspension.

Brochures are available in the Counseling Office  located in the Learning Resources Center. Anyone with questions should call 313-845-9611 or 845-9612.

Campus Attire

Students are expected to use good judgment, good taste, and decency with regard to their selection of dress.

Parking Regulations

Students are responsible for observing all campus parking rules and regulations. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in their cars being ticketed and towed away or other disciplinary action.

Attendance

No system of “cuts” operates at Henry Ford Community College. Students are expected to  attend all the sessions of the classes for which they are enrolled. Penalties may be imposed, at the discretion of the individual instructor, whenever the quality of the student’s work has been affected by absence or tardiness.

Students, as a matter of courtesy, should explain the reason for an absence to their instructors. Lack of attendance may affect the student’s final grade.

Absences in connection with participation in authorized college activities must be considered  in the total picture of absences for all purposes, and it is the responsibility of the student to make up work missed.

Students are required to be present at the final  examination. In case of absence, it is the student’s  responsibility to contact the instructor in regard to makeup.

Complaints-Equal Opportunity

Students who have complaints of an equal  opportunity nature (discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, creed, ancestry, disability, height, weight, national origin, religion, or marital status) shall consult either the Affirmative Action Officer or the Vice President/Dean of Student Services, who will provide a copy of the Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure and review with the student an appropriate procedure to follow.

Student Complaint Policy

During their course of study at Henry Ford Community College, students may encounter problems requiring review by academic and administrative personnel. It is the policy of Henry Ford Community College to provide an equitable system for the speedy and amicable resolution of problems between students and College faculty and administrators.

Complaints against faculty may include issues such as final course grades, classroom assignments, and various services. Complaints against administrators may include matters such as policies, regulations, and services.

Due process is dependent upon timeliness. A formal complaint which is not initiated by the end of the semester succeeding the semester in  which the issue arose will be dismissed. Once the formal complaint process is initiated, the four stages of the complaint process should be completed within twenty academic working days for each stage (spring and summer terms and regularly scheduled College recesses may be exempt depending upon the availability of the persons involved). These  guidelines apply to all student complaints covered by this policy.

Certain types of complaints require the student to file grievances with specialized decision-making bodies. The College publishes these and makes them available to students. However, such specialized policies and procedures shall not be interpreted so as to deny a student due process under the Student Complaint Policy. Also, this policy shall not be construed or applied so as to restrict academic freedom.

Copies of the Student Complaint Policy and Procedures are available in any of the vice presidents’ offices.

General Policy on Institutional Response to AIDS

Henry Ford Community College is committed to  providing quality educational opportunities in an  environment that is safe and conducive to learning  for students and employees. Thus, all confirmed cases of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome  (AIDS), AIDS-Related Complex (ARC), or a positive Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) infection will be addressed on an individual basis for both students and employees, while maintaining the dignity and rights of the individual and the College community.

Academic Forgiveness Policy
The purpose of academic forgiveness at Henry Ford Community College is to allow a student who has not performed well academically to have a maximum of twelve hours of E grades removed from his or her grade-point average.

To apply for academic forgiveness, a currently enrolled student must file an application in the Office of Registration and Records. Guidelines for the policy are as follows:

1. Five or more years must elapse between the academic forgiveness and the last failing grade for which forgiveness is requested.

2. The student must have earned at Henry Ford Community College at least six credit hours in courses numbered 100 or above and have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.00 since the failing grades were received.

3. Forgiven grades, to a maximum of twelve credit  hours, will no longer be calculated into the student’s grade-point average.

4. Forgiven grades remain on the transcript and a special notation is added explaining academic forgiveness.

5. Academic forgiveness can be granted only once to any student.

6. Academic forgiveness, when granted, applies to Henry Ford Community College courses. There is no guarantee, expressed or implied, that the academic forgiveness will be recognized by any other college or university.

Probation and Dismissal Policy
A student whose cumulative grade-point average is below the following levels is placed on academic  probation:

1.50 for 5-11 credits attempted

1.75 for 12-19 credits attempted

1.85 for 20-28 credits attempted

2.00 for 29-and more credits attempted  - also subject to dismissal

Students are notified of their probationary status by letter directing them to meet with a counselor, who assists them in developing an appropriate educational plan before being permitted to register for the next semester.

Based on their assessment of each student’s needs, counselors may require enrollment in specific  developmental courses before releasing students to register. Students may appeal such counselors’ decisions, in writing, to the Scholastic Review  Board.

Returning probationary students who have not enrolled for one or more semesters are permitted to register only after meeting with a counselor.

Students on probation who have attempted more than 28 hours are dismissed from the College for one full semester (fall or winter) unless they maintain a per semester grade-point average of  2.0 or above. Students on probation who are  placed on academic dismissal, if currently attending classes, are permitted to complete the semester but cannot pre-enroll for the following semester.  Dismissals may be appealed, in writing, to the  \Scholastic Review Board. Students are notified in  writing of appeal procedures.

Students’ appeal letters may be directed to the  Scholastic Review Board in care of the Office of the Registrar. Students who are not on academic  probation but whose cumulative grade-point average is below 2.0 are sent a letter encouraging them to see a counselor.

Computer Systems Use Policy
Henry Ford Community College’s computers, peripherals, software, networks, supplies, e-mail systems, and Internet connections (“HFCC’s Systems”) are intended to carry out the legitimate operational functions of HFCC and not for purposes unrelated to college business. It is not the intent or purpose of this policy to dampen or restrict freedom of inquiry or freedom of criticism.

HFCC prohibits the removal, relocation, or alteration of equipment or software without written authorization.

It is the policy of HFCC to prohibit the use of HFCC’s Systems for purposes of:

• Harassment of persons or organizations on or off campus for any reason.

• Sending or receiving material of a profane, pornographic, or threatening nature.

• Sabotage, misuse, or abuse of equipment, software, or data on or off campus, including unauthorized alteration of HFCC’s Systems and computer files through the willful or negligent introduction of viruses or by mechanical or electronic tampering.

• Unauthorized production or reproduction of programs, or multiple copies of material in any form for the purpose of resale or redistribution in violation of the intellectual property rights of HFCC or any other person.

• Plagiarizing, altering, or tampering with the work of others.

• Gaming, solicitation, or any activity deemed illegal or contrary to HFCC policies.

• Theft of intellectual or other property, including copyright infringement.

• Intentionally preventing an electronic communication from being received by the intended recipient without authorization from the originating sender.

• Intentionally causing an electronic communication to be viewable or heard by persons other than the named recipient without authorization from the originating sender, or the named recipient, except where the recipient of electronic communications reports a violation of this policy.

It is the desire of HFCC to ensure that HFCC Systems are put to the best and most efficient use. HFCC therefore requires that:

• Students, faculty, and staff receive appropriate training in hardware, software, and networks use, or demonstrate acceptable levels of proficiency prior to access.

• Students, faculty, and staff be mindful of the time spent (as in “surfing the net” or “chatting”) on HFCC’s Systems, or material consumed (such as having large or vague searches printed).

• Students, faculty, and staff exercise reasonable care in protecting their log-on names and passwords, and not permit unauthorized persons to access HFCC’s Systems.

• Students, faculty, and staff should not use HFCC’s Systems to store messages and files because it would place an undue burden on limited system resources.

Users of HFCC’s Systems are reminded that e-mail is like any other form of written communication. It is subject to the same legal restrictions and potential liabilities as a paper document. E-mail may be subpoenaed, and is subject to the “Freedom of Information Act.” In view of this, HFCC’s Systems should not be considered appropriate for transmission of confidential or proprietary information. From the standpoint of the creator of a message, the message should be viewed as “business correspondence” or as an academic paper which has a likelihood of becoming a published document. HFCC does not monitor or permanently store messages. However, unlike a written document that can entirely be erased or destroyed by the writer, user deletion of messages renders electronic space in the system available for other messages but does not immediately erase the messages from the system. Therefore, users of HFCC’s Systems should not expect privacy. Nevertheless, it is incumbent upon all users of HFCC’s Systems to treat misdirected e-mail communications with reasonable care to avoid undue disclosure of the messages of others.

Penalties for violation of this policy will vary depending on the nature and degree of the specific violation.  Penalties range from reprimand through expulsion for students or termination for employees in accordance with the provisions of any College Collective Bargaining Agreement, to the extent such Agreement applies to the employees. If violations of law are involved, users may incur civil liability to HFCC or third parties, and may also be subject to prosecution.