Champlain College strives to create a physical and intellectual environment in which you have the freedom to grow, are challenged to realize your full potential and are guided with insight and understanding toward preparation for your roles in your profession, in your community and in the world as a global citizen.

This Standard of Conduct has been developed so that you will know what the College expects of you and, in turn, what you can expect from the College. It is an attempt to balance individual needs with the needs of the College without limiting individual freedom of choice. At the same time, freedom of choice implies acceptance of full responsibility for one’s actions. Thus, in choosing to attend Champlain College, you choose to conform to this standard of behavior, which has been designed for the common good of the institution and all of its constituencies, including its neighbors in the community.

The College reserves the right to discharge a student without prior warning if, in the opinion of the College, the student’s behavior poses a serious threat to the reputation or welfare of the College and its students.

1. I will respect all students, faculty and staff, as well as our surrounding community and neighborhood.

Behaviors that are inconsistent with this standard include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Threatening the health, safety or welfare of oneself or another
b. Harassing, intimidating or verbally abusing others
c. Failing to comply with residence hall policies (The College policy is outlined fully in the section titled Guidelines for Residence Hall Behavior on page 17 of The Rudder (PDF).)
d. Disturbing the peace and/or creating undue noise
e. Disrupting the lawful and orderly activities of others; exhibiting disruptive or disrespectful behavior in any College facility, classroom or laboratory, or the surrounding neighborhood
f. Failing to comply with College officials or their representatives in carrying out their duties
g. Failing to comply with the sexual harassment policy

2. I will respect the academic mission and integrity of the institution.

Behaviors that are inconsistent with this standard include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Using the intellectual or artistic work of another without appropriate acknowledgment. Students are responsible for learning how to avoid plagiarism, including appropriate documentation of sources and copyright issues associated with print and electronic media
b. Attempting to deceive a faculty member in preparation of papers, reports, homework assignments, theses and other written or oral exercises, or participating with another in attempting to deceive a faculty member
c. Cheating on exams or tests by giving, receiving or using unauthorized help
d. Gaining access or attempting to gain access to quiz, test or examination materials prior to or in a context other than their distribution by the instructor
e. Falsifying academic records or giving false information to be entered on an academic record
f. Tampering with administrative records or giving false information to be used in an administrative capacity
g. Tampering with or illegally copying software or copying others’ computer programs
h. Stealing cash or merchandise, falsifying time cards or otherwise defrauding an employer during an internship, field experience or work-study placement
i. Engaging in disruptive behavior that interferes with the learning of others
j. Misusing technology by accessing inappropriate or illegal materials, or by interfering with the network in any way that affects others at the College

3. I will respect and comply with local, state and federal laws and statutes.

Compliance with College regulations does not in any way exempt students from adhering to local, state or federal statutes. In fact, violation of these laws represents a violation of Champlain College regulations regardless of whether prosecution ensues. Behaviors that are inconsistent with this standard include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Failing to comply with College, state and federal alcohol and drug policies. (The College policy is described fully in the section titled Drug & Alcohol Policy on page 12, The Rudder (PDF).)
b. Possessing or using explosives, fireworks, weapons (a weapon is any object, device, or instrument that is capable of producing bodily harm or that may be used to inflict self-injury), dangerous devices, firearms or ammunition; exceptions can be granted only by the Security Office for on-duty police officers on campus in an official capacity

4. I will respect the physical facilities of the institution.

Behaviors that are inconsistent with this standard include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Vandalizing College or community property
b. Trespassing
c. Setting off a fire alarm when no fire or similar emergency exists
d. Using a fire extinguisher or other safety device when no emergency exists
e. Creating a fire, safety or health hazard
f. Duplicating keys or developing other ways to gain access to restricted areas, information or goods
g. Theft or unauthorized acquisition, removal or use of property, including computer hardware and/or software

This Standard of Conduct applies to all members of the Champlain community and to all areas owned or leased by the College, as well as to any location where you are engaged in a College activity.

*The Standard of Conduct appears on page 1 of The Rudder (PDF), the Student Handbook of Champlain College.