132F-121-020

At North Seattle College, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive educational environment. The Student Conduct Code establishes the responsibilities all students share and provides a foundation for maintaining an educational community in which everyone can participate, learn, and thrive.

Student Responsibilities

As a member of our community, each student is expected to:

• Maintain high standards of academic integrity.
• Respect the rights of others — including peers, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.
• Refrain from actions that endanger oneself or others.
• Comply with college, district, and state rules and regulations.
• Comply with lawful instructions of authorized college officers acting in performance of their duties. 

By fulfilling these responsibilities, students help strengthen the college’s mission and support a positive learning environment.

Student Misconduct

(Descriptions are summarized from the Washington Administrative Code 132F-121-110)

1. Discriminatory Conduct
   Treating someone unfairly or differently based on protected status such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
2. Sexual Misconduct
   Includes sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, non-consensual sexual contact or intercourse, dating or domestic violence, and stalking.
3. Harassment
   Unwelcome conduct (verbal, written, or physical) that is severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to limit someone’s ability to learn, work, or participate in college activities.
4. Academic Dishonesty
   Cheating, plagiarism, or other dishonest acts in academic work — such as using unauthorized materials or submitting someone else’s work as your own.
5. Other Dishonesty
   Forgery, alteration, or misuse of documents, IDs, or records; furnishing false information; or tampering with elections or official proceedings.
6. Obstruction or Disruption
   Interfering with teaching, research, administration, or other college operations/activities.
7. Assault or Threats
   Physical abuse, fighting, verbal abuse, intimidation, or conduct that harms or threatens to harm another person or their property.
8. Bullying
   Repeated and intentional behavior that intimidates, humiliates, or harms another person, whether in person or online.
9. Cyber Misconduct
   Using email, social media, or other electronic means to harass, threaten, stalk, or otherwise harm another person.
10. Stalking
    Repeatedly following or contacting another person in a way that would cause a reasonable person to feel afraid or distressed.
11. Theft or Property Damage
    Attempting or committing theft, vandalism, or misuse of college or personal property.
12. Failure to Comply
    Refusing to follow lawful directions of college officials, employees, or law enforcement; failing to show identification when requested.
13. Disruptive Conduct
    Participating in activities that interfere with normal college functions or that infringe on others’ rights to participate in college life.
14. Weapons
    Possessing, displaying, or using firearms, explosives, or other dangerous weapons on campus without written authorization or a lawful exception.
15. Hazing
    Any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, or risks physical or emotional harm.
16. Alcohol Violations
    Possession, consumption, or distribution of alcohol on campus or at college-sponsored activities, except as specifically permitted.
17. Drug Violations
    Possession, use, or distribution of marijuana, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia on campus or at college events.
18. Obstruction of Movement
    Blocking pedestrian or vehicle traffic or otherwise preventing free movement on campus or at college events.
19. Disorderly or Lewd Conduct
    Engaging in behavior that is loud, disruptive, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate for an educational setting.
20. Breach of the Peace
    Causing or encouraging disturbances or fights that disrupt the peace of the campus community.
21. Indecent Exposure
    Intentionally exposing one’s genitals or private body parts in a way that causes alarm or offense.
22. Tobacco and Vaping Use
    Using tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or similar devices in campus buildings or within designated non-smoking areas.
23. Computer and Electronic Misuse
    Unauthorized access to, alteration of, or interference with computer systems, networks, or electronic information; includes sharing accounts or disrupting systems.
24. Unauthorized Entry or Access
    Entering locked or restricted areas, or using keys or access cards without authorization.
25. Abuse of Conduct Procedures
    Interfering with, falsifying information in, or refusing to comply with any part of the student conduct process (for example, lying during an investigation or destroying evidence).
26. Safety Violations
    Tampering with fire alarms or safety equipment, creating safety hazards, or operating vehicles unsafely on campus.
27. Violation of College Rules
    Breaking any other published college rule or policy, including those about parking, computer use, or building access.
28. Violation of Law
    Violating any federal, state, or local law that impacts the college community or its operations.
29. Ethical Violations
    Failing to follow the professional or ethical standards of a field or program for which you are studying.
30. Attempt or Complicity
    Trying to commit or helping another person commit any prohibited act under this Code.
31. Retaliation

Taking adverse action against anyone who reports misconduct, serves as a witness, or participates in a conduct or discrimination investigation.

In addition to the Student Conduct Code, students are also expected to follow applicable Seattle Colleges’ District Policies.  

Any violations of the Student Conduct Code or applicable District Policies should be reported to the Student Conduct Officer, Michael Chen (Michael.Chen@seattlecolleges.edu).