2014-2015 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

College Policies – Edmonds Community College Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities


Preamble

I. Philosophy of the College

Edmonds Community College is a community of learners, which upholds integrity and high educational standards and affirms the value of lifelong learning, community engagement, and sustainability. We strive to serve the needs of the individual and honor diversity of culture, ethnicity and thought. We see education as a collaborative process, valuing innovation, change and accountability.

II. Participation

Sharing goals held in common, the students, faculty, and staff of Edmonds Community College are joined in voluntary association in an educational community.

To assure concert and meaningful involvement, students have the opportunity to participate fully in the formulation of all policies, rules, and procedures in this document of Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibilities.

III. Student Citizenship

The student is, first of all, a member of the community at large, and as such is entitled to the rights and responsibilities of any citizen. Students, moreover, are in the unique position of being citizens of two communities, subject to the regulations imposed by both and accountable to both. As an agency to the State of Washington, the college must respect and adhere to the regulations established by local, state, and federal authorities. As an educational institution, it has the added responsibility of assisting students in gaining an understanding of the law in a democratic society. Admission to the college carries with it the expectation that the students will conduct themselves as responsible members of the college community as well, that they will comply with the rules and regulations of the college, maintain high standards of integrity and honesty, respect the rights, privileges and property of other members of the college community, and will not interrupt regular college activities and programs. Normally, the authority of the college for student behavior is restricted to the campus and to activities sponsored or conducted by the college away from campus. However, the authority of the college may be extended into the greater community when the behavior of the student or students clearly and distinctly affects or involves the interests of the college.

Student Civility Code

This civility code supports the Mission Core Theme of Edmonds Community College as being a positive place to work and learn. Edmonds Community College will provide a friendly and supportive environment characterized by civility, mutual respect and inclusiveness where students, faculty and staff are helped to achieve their goals. These qualities are important to excellence in teaching and learning and contribute to a productive and positive campus climate.

Civility is the responsibility of everyone who engages in classes, programs, and activities at Edmonds Community College. The goal of this Student Civility Code is to improve the way Edmonds Community College educates students in the values of personal responsibility, consideration for others, and mutual respect in the presence of difference and disagreement.
The following civility ideals serve as a guide for appropriate behavior in the classroom and all other campus locations:

  • Respect the work and property of others;
  • Promote the free expression of views without degrading or harming others;
  • Respect differing points of view;
  • Engage in courteous discourse - verbal and non-verbal, electronic and written;
  • Exhibit the values of academic and professional integrity: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility; and
  • Encourage others to abide by the tenets of civility.

Examples of behaviors that violate the Student Civility Code in the classroom or on campus include:

  • Screaming or yelling;
  • Sarcasm with an apparent intent to humiliate;
  • Words or actions that intimidate, degrade, demean, or threaten others;
  • Retaliatory actions;
  • Use of social networking, cell phones, course management systems (e.g., Blackboard), email, etc. to make comments or convey images that publicly offend, intimidate, degrade, or humiliate members of the college community; and
  • Failure to comply with directives from instructors or campus officials.

This civility code is not a substitute for the Edmonds Community College Student Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities Code or the Workplace Civility and Respect Policy. Students, who are dissatisfied with the performance of a college employee or a procedure of the college, may file a complaint in accordance with the Student Complaint Procedures. Students are advised to consult with the office of the Vice President for Student Services or designee for advice in proceeding with the complaint procedures.

Approved: ASEdCC 2/3/11

IV. Educational Environment

An atmosphere of learning and self-development is created by appropriate conditions in the college community. The rights and freedoms in this document are critical ingredients in the free, creative, and spirited educational environment to which the students, faculty, and staff of Edmonds Community College are committed.