Preface Statement

Westfield State College recognizes that the student, as an adult member of society and a citizen of the United States of America, is entitled to respect and consideration and has the right to the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of speech, assembly and association. The College further recognizes the student's right within the institution to freedom of inquiry and to the reasonable use of services and facilities of the College which are intended for his/her education.

In the interest of maintaining order on the campus and guaranteeing the broadest range of freedom to each member of the community, some regulations have been developed by students, administrators and faculty acting in concert. These regulations reasonably limit some activities and also proscribe certain behaviors which are harmful to the orderly operation of the College and the pursuit of its legitimate goals. All members of the community are to be held informed of the regulations which are printed in the Student Handbook and other official publications.

Violations of the College regulations will be handled through the College disciplinary procedure, which is established to resolve complaints of nonacademic student misconduct. The disciplinary procedure is designed to protect due process rights and to reach decisions that are in the best interest of both the student and the College. Students charged with misconduct are afforded the right to written notice of charges, right to a fair and impartial hearing, and right of appeal.

Violations of state and federal law will subject the violator to criminal and/or civil court procedures. Whenever any such violation of the law, whether committed on campus or off campus, impinges on the integrity of the College's own rightful responsibilities and activities, the violator will not only be subject to civil and criminal court procedures, but will also be subject to the College disciplinary procedure. The College disciplinary policy in no way deprives a person who incurs injury or damages from seeking redress in the civil or criminal courts.

For further information about the College disciplinary procedure, contact Debbie Clifford, Director of Student Affairs, or stop by the Student Conduct Office in the Ely Campus Center, Room 146.

Staff:

• Debbie Clifford, Director, Ely 146, ext. 5403
• Deborah Niles, Clerk IV, Ely 146, ext. 5446