Student Code of Conduct

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Members of the ArtCenter community have a collective responsibility to maintain a productive educational environment and the well-being of the community. It is through shared values of respect, social responsibility, integrity, and honesty that this is achieved. Every student is responsible for their conduct and for holding others accountable as stewards of the College’s values. The Student Code of Conduct (Code) within the Student Handbook intends to clarify the expectations of behavior by students that are essential to ArtCenter’s educational mission and community well-being.

By enrolling at ArtCenter College of Design, students acknowledge their responsibility to review and comply with the policies and procedures outlined in this Student Handbook. The Code of Conduct is available to all students through this link or through Inside (Home > Campus Information > Student Handbook > Student Code of Conduct).

Disciplinary proceedings conducted under this Code are intended to be informal, fair, and expeditious. As an administrative and educational process, student conduct proceedings are not intended to mirror criminal or civil court proceedings, but rather to provide students with a fair opportunity to be heard while addressing behavior that is inconsistent with the College's community standards. The process is primarily intended to educate students, encourage ethical decision-making, and help them become responsible and productive members of the ArtCenter community.

All students are expected to comply with all applicable laws and to respect the rights and privileges of all other members of the ArtCenter community and its neighbors. Except as expressly outlined in this Code, the procedures of criminal and civil courts shall not govern disciplinary proceedings, and formal rules of evidence shall not be applicable.

This Code applies to student behavior that occurs on campus, at College-sponsored or College-affiliated activities, and, when appropriate, off campus. The Code may also apply to off-campus conduct or conduct occurring through social media or other online platforms when the College determines that the behavior adversely affects the safety, well-being, or learning environment

A student can be charged with a conduct violation while on a leave of absence or after graduating if the conduct occurred while the student was enrolled as a student.

Definitions

ArtCenter and College: Refers to ArtCenter College of Design.
ArtCenter Community: Students, staff, faculty, contracted personnel, and other individuals who participate in or support the College’s educational mission and environment.
Advisor: An individual who assists a student, group, or organization during the conduct process. An advisor may be a current student, faculty, or staff member of the College. Individuals who are not affiliated with the College, including parents or other off-campus individuals, cannot serve as advisors unless otherwise permitted by this Code. Current faculty or staff may not serve as advisors to their children. The Advisor can only be compensated for their service by the College. The Advisor cannot be a licensed attorney except as permitted during an administrative conduct hearing.
Aggravated Assault: Conduct that results in, or could reasonably result in, significant damage to persons or property, or that otherwise poses a substantial threat to the safety, stability, and continuance of College life, operations, or College-sponsored activities.
College-Sponsored Activity: Any activity on or off campus initiated, aided, authorized, or supervised by ArtCenter or an ArtCenter Group, or Organization.
College Premises: Buildings, grounds, facilities, or virtual spaces owned, leased, operated, controlled, or supervised by ArtCenter.
Complainant: An individual who submits a complaint or brings forward an allegation under this Code.
Conduct Officer: A College official designated to administer the student conduct process, including the Associate Director of Student Conduct or Dean of Students.
Distribution: The sale, transfer, delivery, or exchange of an item, substance, or material to another person for personal gain.
Group: Several persons associated with each other that have not completed the College’s requirements for registration as an organization.
Organization: Several persons who have complied with the College’s requirements for registration as an organization.
Preponderance of evidence: The standard of review used in conduct proceedings, meaning that it is more likely than not that the alleged conduct occurred.
Reckless: Conduct that one could reasonably expect would create a substantial risk of harm to a person or property, or that would otherwise be likely to interfere with College or College-sponsored activities.
Respondent: A student, group, or organization alleged to have violated the Student Code of Conduct.
Student: All persons taking courses or enrolled to take future courses at the College, whether full- and part-time, including undergraduate, graduate, or public program students. This definition also includes individuals who are currently enrolled but maintain a continuing relationship with the College through an approved leave of absence, internship, or Study-Away program, as well as individuals who withdraw from the College during a conduct proceeding.
Weapon: Any object, device, instrument, or substance designed, intended, or used to cause harm, including, but not limited to, firearms, explosives, metal knuckles, knives with blades more than two inches long, bows and arrows, and any other instrument identified as a weapon in published College policies.

Prohibited Conduct

Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to, but is not limited to, behaviors that are inconsistent with the standards and expectations of the ArtCenter community:

Violations of ArtCenter Policies
1. Failure to comply with College policies and procedures may result in action under this Code. This includes, but is not limited to, violations of the Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Policy, Tobacco-Free and Smoke-Free Campus Policy, Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy, and the Academic and Creative Integrity Policy.
2. Note: Some ArtCenter College policies are administered through separate procedures as outlined in those policies.
Violations of Law
1. Violations of federal, state, or local laws. A criminal conviction is not necessary for a student to be subject to discipline under this Code. The College may address conduct that occurs on or off campus when such conduct impacts the College community or the College's educational environment.
2. Intentionally furnishing a false warning or threat regarding a College-sponsored activity.
Community Respect and Safety
1. Harm, harassment, intimidation, or threats: Intentionally or recklessly causing physical, emotional, psychological, or other harm to any ArtCenter community member, any person on College premises, or at any on-campus or off-campus College activity, including within in-person or virtual classroom settings. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment, assault, stalking, intimidation, verbal or written threats, abuse, and other behaviors that create a reasonable fear of harm or substantially interfere with an individual's ability to participate in the educational environment.
  1. Such conduct may occur in person or through electronic communication, including email, social media, text messages, telephone, virtual classroom platforms, or other online environments.
2. Discrimination and bias-based conduct: Engaging in intentional discrimination, harassment, or other harmful conduct directed against a person or group of people based on protected characteristics, including age, race, color, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, or sex (including pregnancy, except where such distinction is allowed by law. Additionally, ArtCenter prohibits discrimination in all aspects of employment and educational programs based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
3. Misuse of personal information, images, or media: Misusing another person's personal information, images, recordings, or other media in a manner that is harmful, harassing, threatening, or demeaning. This includes, but is not limited to, threatening to disclose, posting, distributing, or sharing without the express consent of the other individual; creating or distributing altered, manipulated, or misleading images or recordings; and posting disparaging, degrading, or compromising content about another individual through websites, social media, virtual platforms, or other forms of communication
Dishonesty and Misrepresentation
1. Intentionally providing false, incomplete, misleading, or fraudulent information to the College or a College official, including through the submission of false documentation or materials, misrepresentation, forgery, alteration, or fraud in connection with admissions, financial aid processes, conduct proceedings, or other College processes.
2. Intentionally providing false information or identification when requested by any designated College official.
3. Unauthorized use, forgery, possession, or alteration of any College documents, identification cards, or other official College instruments.
Disruption and Interference
1. Intentionally or recklessly interfering with College or College-sponsored activities, including but not limited to studying, teaching, research, College administration, judicial proceedings, or fire, police, or emergency services.
2. Intentionally and substantially interfering with the freedom of expression of others on College premises or at a College-sponsored activity.
3. Engaging in disorderly conduct, public intoxication, or lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior in any College on-campus facility or at a College-sponsored activity.
  Note: Faculty members have primary responsibility for managing the classroom and learning environment. Faculty may address classroom disruptions, including directing a student who engages in disruptive behavior to leave the class for the remainder of the class period. The student conduct process may be initiated when additional action is being considered, including but not limited to suspensions or dismissals from class for violations of the Code.
Property and Facilities
1. Intentionally or recklessly destroying, defacing, misusing, or damaging College property on College premises or in a College-sponsored activity.
2. Intentionally or recklessly misusing, disabling, tampering with, or damaging College safety equipment, facilities, doors, signs, or other property intended to support campus operations or safety. This includes, but is not limited to, engaging in behavior that triggers fire alarms, emergency systems, or other safety responses, or using items that create smoke or other conditions that may activate College safety equipment or require an unnecessary emergency response.
3. Unauthorized entry into, presence in, or use of College premises, equipment, facilities, or property.
4. Intentionally or recklessly starting a fire on or near College premises.
5. Intentionally or recklessly damaging, altering, removing, or interfering with another person's academic, creative, or personal property, including artwork, projects, materials, equipment, or other items used for educational purposes
Vehicle and Parking Violations
1. Violations of the College’s Campus Access and Parking Policy, including, but not limited to, excessive or repeated parking violations, misuse of parking privileges, unauthorized parking, or failure to comply with vehicle registration or access requirements.
2. Operating a vehicle in a reckless, unsafe, or negligent manner on College premises, at a College-sponsored activity, or in areas surrounding College campuses where such conduct impacts the safety of the ArtCenter community.
Failure to Comply
1. Failure to comply with the reasonable directions or requests of College officials, including faculty, staff, or Campus Security, while performing their assigned duties. This includes but is not limited to directions related to College operations, safety procedures, emergency response, access to College facilities, or other College processes.
2. Interfering with, obstructing, or preventing College officials from performing their assigned duties, including through threatening or intimidating conduct.
3. Failure to provide valid ArtCenter photo identification when requested by a College official.
Theft
1. Taking, attempting to take, or knowingly possessing property or services belonging to another person, the College, or another organization without authorization. This includes, but is not limited to, theft occurring on College premises or at a College-sponsored activity, and unauthorized use or possession of stolen property.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco
1. Violating the College’s Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Policy or Tobacco-Free and Smoke-Free Campus Policy, including the possession, use, distribution, or presence of prohibited substances on College premises or at College-sponsored activities. Students are expected to comply with all applicable College policies regarding alcohol, drugs, marijuana, tobacco, and smoking.
Weapons
1. Violation of the Weapons Policy, including the possession, storage, or use of firearms, explosives, weapons, or other prohibited items on College premises or at College-sponsored activities, or in circumstances that may impact the safety and well-being of the ArtCenter community. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms, explosives, fireworks, incendiary devices, metal knuckles, knives with blades over two inches long, bows and arrows, hazardous chemicals not approved for course-related projects, and any other instrument identified as a weapon in published College policies
2. Possession or use of any item intended to look like or serve as a weapon will also be treated as a violation of College policy. Such items may include, but are not limited to, a fake or toy gun, a pocketknife, or a hand held under clothing to simulate a weapon. Approved uses of such items for educational, creative, photographic, or film-related purposes must comply with the procedures outlined in this policy and receive prior written approval from Campus Security.
3. Real firearms are prohibited on College premises at all times, regardless of whether they are intended for educational, creative, photographic, or film-related purposes. Under no circumstances may real firearms ever be carried or stored on campus.
  Note: Any exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing by the Director of Campus Security (or designee). All weapons used on campus at any time must be approved before their use. All weapons must be props or non-functional.
  If a weapon for a photo or film shoot is requested, the applicant must submit a written request discussing the type of weapon and how it is to be used in the shoot at least three business days before the photo or film shoot. The Director will meet with the applicant to discuss the shoot details and the safe storage, transport, and operation of the weapon. The Director will schedule a mandatory visual inspection. All weapons used in a photo/film shoot shall be inspected and photographed before the shoot. Campus Security will also conduct an on-site inspection on the day of the shoot to verify that the weapons being used are the same as the previously inspected weapons.
  If any weapons have been added or changed, the shoot will stop until the current weapons can be inspected and approved.
Technology Misuse
1. Intentionally, recklessly, or negligently disrupting, damaging, altering, or interfering with College technology resources, including but not limited to computer systems, software, programs, networks, data, or records.
2. Using College technology resources, data, systems, or networks for unauthorized activities, including, but not limited to, fraud, deception, extortion, or obtaining or misusing money, property, or data without authorization.
3. Accessing or attempting to access College systems, files, accounts, or data without authorization, including through the use of another person’s name, password, credentials, or personal identification information.
Abuse of the conduct process
1. Engaging in conduct that interferes with the integrity, fairness, or administration of the conduct process, including, but not limited to:
  1. Knowingly initiating, or causing to be initiated, a false report or complaint.
  2. Influencing or attempting to cause another person to engage in conduct that abuses or undermines the student conduct process.
  3. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information during a conduct meeting, hearing, investigation, or appeal process.
2. Harassing, intimidating, or retaliating against any person involved in the student conduct process, including Conduct Officers, hearing board members, appellate decision-makers, complainants, respondents, advisors, or witnesses, before, during, or after a conduct proceeding. Retaliation related to reports or participation under the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy is addressed through that policy.
3. Failing to comply with the terms of any disciplinary sanction, interim measure, or other directive imposed under this Code.

Student Conduct Procedures

The purpose of student conduct meetings is to review allegations of prohibited conduct, consider relevant evidence, and determine whether it is more likely than not that the violation occurred.

Student conduct meetings are designed to provide the students with a fair and impartial process for addressing alleged violations of the Code. Students will receive written notice of the allegations, an opportunity to review and respond to the information presented, and an opportunity to share relevant information before a decision is made by a neutral decision-maker.

The Associate Director of Student Conduct serves as the College’s Student Conduct Officer (Officer) and is responsible for reviewing matters regarding alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct. If the Associate Director of Student Conduct is unavailable or has a conflict of interest, the Dean of Students may appoint a designee to serve as the Officer. Such an alternative shall have all the powers and responsibilities of the Officer.
The Officer will review the available information and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support a finding that a student violated the code. Most cases will be resolved through an administrative meeting between the student and the Officer. The Officer may seek out additional information, speak with relevant individuals, or review additional evidence as needed to help clarify if a conduct violation occurred. At their discretion, the Officer shall determine whether there was sufficient evidence that the student engaged in prohibited conduct as outlined in this Code and what sanction(s) or educational outcome(s) should be applied.
If a student does not respond to the request for an administrative meeting, the Officer may continue to review and resolve the matter in their absence based on the available information.
The Officer will notify the student in writing of the determination, including any findings, sanctions, directives, or other outcomes.

Interim Suspensions

The Dean of Students or Officer may impose an interim suspension while a conduct matter is under review when immediate action is necessary to protect the safety and well-being of the ArtCenter community. An interim suspension is a temporary measure and does not constitute a determination that a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct.

An interim suspension may be imposed only when necessary to:

Ensure the safety and well-being of members of the ArtCenter community or the preservation of ArtCenter property;
Ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety; or
Address an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, College operations.

Procedures for Cases Brought Before a Hearing Board

A Student Conduct Hearing Board will review all cases in which suspension or expulsion is being considered as a potential outcome under this code.

Notice and Preparation for Hearing
1. If, following an administrative meeting, the Student Conduct Officer determines that suspension or expulsion may be an appropriate sanction, the Officer will schedule a second meeting with the Respondent to discuss the proposed sanction(s) and explain the Student Conduct Hearing Board process.
2. Within 5 business days of the second administrative meeting, the Respondent will receive written notice of the allegations, the proposed sanction(s), and the date, time, location, and composition of the Student Conduct Hearing Board.
Hearing Board Composition and Roles
1. The Hearing Board will normally comprise of three College employees, excluding the Officer, as convened by the Dean of Students.
2. A quorum consists of the Officer and at least two Hearing Board members. If a quorum is present, the hearing may proceed.
3. The Officer will lead the hearing, including managing the hearing process and ensuring that the parties have an opportunity to be heard, but will not serve as a member of the Hearing Board or participate in the determination.
Hearing Procedures
1. Students who fail to appear will have their case heard in their absence. Failure to appear or failure of a complainant or witness to appear does not constitute grounds for appeal; evidence introduced after a decision on the case has already been made does not constitute new information merely because the charged student was absent.
2. The Officer [CE14] shall lead the hearing. At the hearing, the Officer shall specify the nature of the alleged misconduct, including the time, date, and place where such alleged conduct occurred. The Respondent shall have the opportunity to respond to evidence against them.
3. Hearings are private. However, the Respondent and Complainant are each entitled to bring an Advisor to the hearing to help support and guide them during the hearing. The Advisor’s role is not to represent the student or to question any witnesses in the hearing. The Respondent and the Complainant are responsible for presenting their information. Therefore, Advisors are only permitted to speak or participate directly in any hearing if otherwise determined by the Officer.
4. The Officer, with consultation from the Hearing Board, will invite relevant witnesses within the investigation to appear before the Hearing Board.
5. Any person, including an advisor, a Respondent, or the Complainant, who disrupts a hearing and fails to adhere to the Officer’s rulings may be excluded from the proceedings.
Determination and Outcome
1. Following the hearing, the Board [CE15] shall determine whether it is more likely than not that the Respondent has engaged in prohibited conduct.
2. If the Hearing Board determines that the Respondent is responsible, the Board will determine appropriate sanction(s), educational outcome(s), and/or other directive(s).
3. Once a determination has been made, including a finding of responsibility, sanctions, educational outcomes, or other directives to be imposed, the Officer will notify the student Respondent in writing of the determination of any sanctions.

Standard of Review

Determinations of responsibility under this Code, including those made by the Student Conduct Officer, Student Conduct Hearing Board, and designated appeal decision-maker, will be based on a preponderance of the evidence standard. This means that a violation is determined to have occurred when the information available shows that it is more likely than not that the student engaged in the prohibited conduct.

Outcomes

Following a determination that a student has violated this Code, the Student Conduct Officer or Hearing Board may assign one or more outcomes. Outcomes may include, but are not limited to, educational interventions, restorative practices, restrictions, and disciplinary sanctions.

In determining appropriate outcomes, the College will consider the severity and nature of the violation, the student’s prior conduct history, the student’s response to the incident, and the impact of the behavior, including any resulting damage, injury, or harm. All directives, outcomes, and sanctions assigned through the student conduct process will be documented in the student’s conduct record.

Educational Outcome: An assignment or requirement intended to promote learning, reflection, accountability, and positive behavioral change following a conduct concern.
1. Educational Activity: The student may be assigned an educational activity related to the behavior, such as, but not limited to, completing a training, reflection assignment, project, or other learning activity intended to promote awareness and responsible decision-making.
2. Restorative Practice: The student may be assigned a restorative outcome intended to address harm caused by the behavior, including but not limited to completing community service, participating in a restorative conversation, writing an apology, or completing an educational program.
Sanctions: A formal disciplinary consequence imposed after a finding of responsibility for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
1. Disciplinary Warning: A student is provided a verbal or written warning that future violations of College policies may result in more serious disciplinary action.
2. Disciplinary Probation: The student is placed on formal notice that future violations may result in additional sanctions, including suspension or expulsion. Probation may include restrictions on participation in College-sponsored activities, including involvement in student organizations or campus employment.
3. Restriction: The student may be restricted from specific areas, facilities, activities, or privileges of the College.
4. Restitution: The student may be required to reimburse the College or another person, group, or organization for damages or costs resulting from a violation of this Code. Failure to complete restitution may result in an administrative hold being placed on the student’s account.
5. Suspension: The student is separated from the College for a specified period. During the suspension period, the student may be prohibited from attending classes, participating in College-sponsored activities, or accessing College premises.
6. Expulsion: The student is permanently separated from the College. The student may be permanently prohibited from accessing College premises.
Other Outcomes: The Student Conduct Officer or Dean of Students (or designee) may assign other appropriate outcomes or sanctions consistent with the purpose of this Code.

Appeals Process

A student may appeal a finding of responsibility and/or assigned sanction by the Student Conduct Officer or Hearing Board based only on one or more of the following criteria:

The sanction is grossly disproportionate to the nature and circumstances of the violation.
The procedures outlined in this Code were not followed, and the error significantly affected the outcome of the conduct process.
New relevant evidence is available that could not have been reasonably obtained or presented during the original conduct process.
The decision is not supported by the evidence available during the conduct process.

All requests for appeals must be in writing and must clearly identify the basis for the appeal and explain how one or more of the above criteria apply. Appeals must be submitted via email to the Dean of Students, with a copy to the Officer, within five business days of the date that the student received the written determination of the sanction from the Officer or Hearing Board.

The Dean of Students will review the Officer’s summary of the testimony, findings of fact, decision, and the recommended sanction, the student’s disciplinary history, and the student’s written statement.

The Dean of Students may request that either the Officer or the student submit, in writing, additional information. They may also ask the student and the Officer to clarify testimony from the hearing.

The Dean of Students may affirm, reduce, or increase the sanctions and will notify the student in writing.

Additional Information

Student Groups and Organizations

Student groups and organizations may be charged with violating any provision of the Code or any policies and procedures included in the Student Handbook. The Officer may direct officers, leaders, or any identifiable spokesperson for a student group or organization to take appropriate action designed to prevent or end violations of this Code. The sanction for misconduct may include revocation or denial of registration.

Violations of Law and Disciplinary Regulations

Students may be accountable to both criminal and civil authorities and to ArtCenter for acts that constitute violations of law and of this Code. Disciplinary action at the College will generally proceed despite any pending criminal proceedings. It will not be subject to challenge because criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced.

Disciplinary Files and Records

A student conduct record may be created when a student is referred to the student conduct process. Student conduct records may include information related to conduct referrals, findings, outcomes, sanctions, educational activities, restorative practices, and other directives assigned through the conduct process.

Student conduct records are maintained by the Student Conduct Officer or designee and are protected in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Information contained in student conduct records will be disclosed only as permitted by law or with the student’s written authorization.

When a student provides written authorization for the release of their student conduct records, such as to a prospective employer, graduate school, or other third party, the College may disclose the information specified in the authorization.