College Regulations
Policies of Interest
In a setting where the actions of one person may have an effect on the lives of others, it is not only desirable, but logical, that grace and consideration for others should prevail. That this ideal is not always attained should not deter men and women from striving to achieve it. At a liberal arts college, it seems natural that social ideals should take their place beside all others.
A dedication to ideals, however, cannot obscure a college's responsibility to maintain an environment genuinely conducive to learning. A student shall take no action that threatens or endangers his or her own safety, health or life; nor shall a student make any verbal threat of such action.
Alma College reserves the right to take disciplinary actions against any student whose conduct is deemed contrary to its stated purposes and standards. At the same time Alma remains committed to the belief that the campus community is best served when members — sensitive to the rights and needs of all — accept responsibility for their own actions. The regulations which follow are indicative of the current standards and processes in effect at Alma College. The Alma College Student Life Handbook contains additional standards for student behavior.
The College reserves the right to alter or add to these rules and processes.
Right To Dismissal. Alma College reserves the right to dismiss or refuse to register a student (always by due process) whenever such action is considered to be in the best interest of the student or of the College. Such action may occur in cases of extreme or repeated violation of regulations, endangerment of self or others, academic failure or conduct deemed unsuitable at Alma College.
Disciplinary action may be taken against individuals and/or organizations for misconduct while on or off the campus. This includes students whom College officials or city, county or federal courts may find negligent for violation of any of the criminal and/or civil laws.
Alma College may initiate disciplinary or counseling procedures in cases when behavior becomes detrimental to the academic or personal development of the student and other members of the campus community.
The Alma College Student Life Handbook presents a list of specific behaviors which can lead to disciplinary action. All students are expected to be familiar with the handbook, especially the section dealing with "Community Standards of Behavior and the Campus Judicial Process."
Academic Dishonesty. Appropriate disciplinary action, including possible separation from the College, will be taken when students engage in plagiarism; the exchange of information on examinations; assisting or receiving assistance in the completion of an examination, the writing of an essay or the preparation of a laboratory report; or any other attempt to obtain deceptively an unearned grade.
Disciplinary Procedures. Disciplinary action following academic dishonesty is handled initially by the faculty member in whose class the offense occurred, who may impose penalties up to and including failure in the course. (Note: A student may not drop a course in which he or she has been failed for cheating.) All infractions and actions are to be reported to, and recorded in, the Provost's Office. These cases are then reviewed by the Provost, who, especially in the case of repeated offenses, may apply more severe penalties than those imposed by the instructor. Finally, the Provost may refer cases to the Campus Judicial Committee, which may impose penalties up to and including suspension or expulsion from the College.
Appeals Procedures. A student may appeal the instructor's decision to the Provost. The student may appeal the Provost's decision to the Campus Judicial Committee.
Alcoholic Beverages. The statutes of the State of Michigan allow the purchase and use of alcoholic beverages by persons who have reached the age of 21. Students of legal age may use alcoholic beverages within the privacy of their residence hall rooms with the door closed and in other areas as provided in the "Alma College Alcohol Policy." The excessive use of alcohol under any circumstances is not condoned by the College, and undesirable conduct resulting from the use of alcohol will be subject to disciplinary action.
Assembly. Within the context of established College policies, peaceful assembly and peaceful picketing are recognized as legitimate methods of personal expression. However, protest need not and must not take the form of violence, destruction, damage, physical abuse or confrontation that substitutes physical force for orderly efforts to attain one's ends. It should be remembered that freedom to protest is protected only so long as it does not interfere with the rights and freedoms of others. Students who violate this regulation will be referred to the Campus Judicial Committee or the Vice President for Student Life for immediate action. Depending upon the degree of involvement, destruction of property, etc., the student may be warned, placed on disciplinary probation, suspended or permanently expelled.
Destruction of Property. Students are responsible for the proper utilization and preservation of all furnishings provided in residence hall rooms and will be charged for the repair/replacement of damaged items.
Drugs and Narcotics. Alma College does not allow the possession, use or sale of drugs and narcotics on the campus or in any College facility. Students must observe the drug and narcotic laws of the State of Michigan as well as federal laws and regulations as they apply to the possession, use and sale of these substances. The possession, use and sale of illegal drugs and narcotics under any circumstances is not condoned by the College and will be subject to disciplinary action. Exceptions are those cases when the Alma College Wilcox Medical Center has indicated the need for the medical use of such substances. The policies of Alma College comply with the provisions of The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226. Further information about drug prevention programs is made available in the Alma College Student Life Handbook.
Firearms, Fire Equipment and Fireworks. The possession or use of firearms, other dangerous weapons (including bows and arrows, knives and crossbows), fireworks or firecrackers is prohibited. Use of fire equipment (extinguishers, alarms, hoses) except in case of actual emergency is a violation of state and local laws. Violators will be subject to prosecution and to discipline by the College. Disciplinary action by the College may include suspension.
Gambling. Alma College does not allow gambling on the campus.
Harassment. Alma College's policy on harassment complies with federal regulations in the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and with Section 75.147b of the Michigan Ethnic Intimidation Statute. The Harassment Policy is published in the Alma College Student Life Handbook and in the Manual of Operation. Policies and procedures are further detailed in Procedures and Policies: Responding to Sexual Assault, Date Rape and Domestic Violence.
Identification Cards. Each enrolling student is issued a Student Identification Card. This card must be presented at the dining hall for each meal; the library to check out books; the Business Office to obtain student paychecks; the Mail Room when receiving registered mail, certified mail and packages; and at the request of any member of the Alma College staff. The identification card also allows the student access to their assigned residence hall while classes are in session as well as admitting the student to many campus activities.
Students using the identification cards of others, lending their ID card, or in any way misrepresenting or refusing to identify themselves will be subject to disciplinary actions and a $75 fine.
Replacements for lost or damaged ID cards may be obtained through Sodexho Food Service. The card must be returned to the Student Life Office when a student withdraws from Alma College prior to the completion of the academic year.
Keys. Any student who possesses and/or uses an unauthorized key to any building or area on the campus will be subject to disciplinary action.
Misappropriation of Property. A fine of $25 per item will be assessed to students who take furnishings and/or equipment designated for general student use, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
Motor Vehicles. A student who wishes to operate a motor vehicle (automobile, truck or motorcycle) on the campus must register the vehicle with the Physical Plant Office at the beginning of the academic year or whenever the vehicle is brought to the campus. All license number changes or change in vehicle shall be reported immediately to the Physical Plant Office.
An annual registration fee will be charged for each vehicle. The amount of the fee is determined by the area in which you choose to park your vehicle. Off-campus students who want to park in a campus lot may register their vehicle for a permit for the commuter lot. Temporary visitor permits can be obtained at no charge.
Students may park their vehicles only in authorized areas. A motor vehicle parking map and regulations sheet are provided when the vehicles are registered.
Improper or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle on the campus may result in fines, towing and/or disciplinary action.
Pets. For health, sanitation and insurance reasons, no animals except tropical fish are permitted in residence halls or other College-approved housing. Stray animals should be taken to the Gratiot County Animal Shelter. The exception to this rule is for full-time professional, live in staff members (Hall Directors) who are allowed to have one pet (a cat, fish, or small dog not exceeding 25 pounds) in the privacy of their College-owned apartments. Hall Directors who wish to have a pet are required to pay a refundable cleaning deposit of $250 upon confirmation of employment with the College.
Physical Violence, Vandalism and Theft. Any student whose behavior involves either threatened or direct physical violence, malicious destruction of property or stealing will be subject to disciplinary action. Students are urged to keep their rooms locked whenever they are away.
The College is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal belongings, valuables or money. It is recommended that students provide their own renters insurance to protect their belongings in the case of damage or theft. Alma College is in full compliance with Section 485f of the Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act of the federal government and annually makes available statistical information on campus crime.
Residence. Alma College is a residential college. Students must live in College residence halls for the duration of their enrollment unless married, living at home with a parent or guardian or otherwise approved for off-campus residence by the Vice President for Student Life.
Selling, Soliciting and Peddling. Any solicitation on campus for personal profit or group benefit by students or outside interests must be cleared through the Student Life Office. Student solicitations or fundraising projects in the community of Alma shall be cleared with the Director of Alumni Relations.
Telephones. Students can place local, toll-free and calling-card calls from their rooms by dialing 9 and the number. To place long distance calls from student rooms or any public phone on campus, students will need a calling card/prepaid card. Each student may request a free voicemail box upon attaining their room assigment. Students are strongly encouraged to set up this voicemail account as it will be a vital tool for retrieving information given out by College officials.
Visitation Hours. Students may entertain members of the opposite sex in residence hall rooms only during hours established by the Student Life Office. Residence Hall Councils may establish more stringent visitation hours. These hours are published in the Alma College Student Life Handbook.