The Cottey College Board of Trustees delegates to the President of the College the responsibility for student conduct and authorizes the President to delegate to the vice president for student life and enrollment, the faculty, and other administrative officials the responsibility for maintaining discipline on the campus. The President may authorize or amend campus rules and regulations as necessary to fulfill the mission of the College.
The College’s primary interest in disciplinary actions is to help individual students avoid further inappropriate behavior and become responsible members of the academic community. Students who do not uphold the Honor Code or abide by College regulations may face disciplinary actions, including dismissal from the College.
Student status at Cottey College does not confer either immunity or special consideration in civil or criminal laws. Students may be held accountable to both civil and College authorities for acts that constitute violations of law as well as violations of College regulations. Disciplinary action by the College will not be subject to challenge or postponement on the grounds that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced or are pending in civil or criminal court.
Students have an obligation to become familiar with and abide by the standards of conduct that are expected at Cottey College and to report the actions of others that appear to violate these standards. Students are responsible for the Honor Code and all College policies and regulations stated in this Handbook, the Cottey College Catalog, official notices, the Residence Hall Agreement, and state and federal laws. Ignorance of policies and regulations is not a valid excuse for violations. When reviewing Honor Code or policy violations by students, the College will apply a preponderance of evidence standard when making a final determination.