Student Code of Conduct

Champlain College strives to create a physical and intellectual environment in which students have the freedom to grow, are challenged to realize their full potential, and are guided with insight and understanding toward preparation for roles in their professions, their communities, and in the world as global citizens.


The Student Code of Conduct has been developed so that students will know what the College expects of them and, in turn, what students can expect from the College. It aims 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, students actively choose to conform to the Student Code of Conduct, which has been designed for the common good of the institution and all of its constituencies, including its neighbors in the community.

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Students will be held accountable for policy violations that take place between the time an offer of admission is extended and their graduation, completion of their program, or Champlain's confirmation of their resignation or dismissal. Students who have taken a leave of absence or have withdrawn may be held accountable for allegations of misconduct that occurred prior to or during their absence or withdrawal, and a hold may be placed on their ability to re-enroll pending a hearing and/or completion of sanctions. Students who graduate may also be held accountable for allegations of misconduct prior to commencement, and a hold may be placed on their ability to receive their diploma and official transcripts, pending a hearing and/or completion of sanctions. In the event of serious misconduct committed while still enrolled but reported after the accused student has graduated, Champlain College may pursue action under the conduct review process, and should the accused student be found responsible, may revoke the student's degree.

Potential violations that take place on or near Champlain premises or property or occur at or in connection with a Champlain-related event may be subject to Champlain's Student Code of Conduct. Conduct that occurs off-campus but may represent a threat to the safety of the Champlain community or its members, the pursuit of its objectives, and/or the educational environment of others, may also be subject to the Student Code of Conduct. Accordingly, alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct outlined below may be applied to off-campus conduct.

The College reserves the right to take disciplinary action against Champlain College students who are involved in any off-campus incidents of criminal activity or alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct, particularly when such incidents have implications for campus safety or affect the reputation or operation of the College.

The scope of the Student Code of Conduct extends to online and social media activity, and students may be held accountable for online activity that adversely impacts the educational environment of others or affects the reputation or operation of the College. Behavior that violates this includes, but is not limited to: online harassment, intimidation or threats, and distribution of photos or recordings of another without their consent, including other alleged violations found in the Student Code of Conduct.

Members of the Champlain community are also responsible for the actions of their guests/visitors, and therefore may be held accountable for any Student Code of Conduct violations committed by those guests/visitors.

Student organizations and Champlain College Online students are also subject to the Student Code of Conduct, and may be charged with alleged violations of Champlain policy and adjudicated accordingly.

In cases where a student is found responsible for a policy violation while participating in any Champlain program, the finding of responsibility may also be referred to the appropriate authority overseeing any additional Champlain program in which the student is or will also be enrolled for other action as deemed appropriate. This may include but is not limited to: further investigation; additional adjudication under existing policies (using only information gathered in the first disciplinary process, or using subsequently gathered information, or both, as deemed appropriate by the overseeing authority); disciplinary action; or other remedies or processes deemed appropriate by the authority overseeing the additional Champlain program.

While students are enrolled at the College, they must inform the College of any occasion on which they are charged with a criminal offense by local, state, or Federal authorities. Failure to do so may itself result in disciplinary action. Students who are charged with a criminal offense are expected to provide the Office of Community Standards with relevant documentation, including affidavits and other evidence, regardless of the status of their legal case. Failure to provide such evidence may result in a hold on the student's account, which could prevent them from registering for classes, graduating, or obtaining official transcripts.

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The responsibility for the College's Community Standards system lies with the following individuals:

The Dean of Students, under the direction of the Vice President for Student Affairs has ultimate authority over the College Conduct Review process, including interpretation of policies, the system's procedures, and approval of changes to the Student Code of Conduct.


The Director of Community Standards is the professional staff member responsible and is charged with providing comprehensive leadership, management, and vision for the Office of Community Standards. They set the tone and direction for the Office and develop the conduct codes, adjudication process, related procedures, and training. The Director of Community Standards is responsible for the overall coordination of the processes used to administer the Student Code of Conduct, including interpretations of policies and the process's procedures.


Hearing Officers are individuals who, through their job responsibility or authorization by the Director of Community Standards, initiate action on alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The Hearing Officer may hear or otherwise resolve student misconduct.

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Alleged: Means any student accused of violating the Student Code of Conduct.

Advisor: Means a person who serves as a support person through a hearing process.Complainant: Means the person(s) who initiates a complaint by alleging that a student(s) violated the Student Code of Conduct. Champlain College can also be a Complainant.

Hearing Officer: Means a College official who is authorized to determine the appropriate resolution of an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and/or to impose sanctions or affect other remedies as appropriate. A Hearing Officer is vested with the authority to, among other duties: investigate a complaint of an alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct, decline to pursue a complaint, refer identified parties to mediation or other appropriate resolution options, and establish alleged charges against a student(s).

Policy: Means the written regulations, standards, and community standards expectation adopted by Champlain College and found in, but not limited to the College Catalog, the Housing & Residential Life guidelines, the undergraduate catalogs, and other publicized College notices.

Student: Is any person who is registered for courses at the College. Individuals no longer enrolled for a particular semester, but maintaining a continuing relationship with the College (for example, on an approved leave of absence), are considered students.

Disciplinary Standing: The Office of Community Standards is often asked to share information regarding a student's disciplinary standing for various campus leadership positions and opportunities. The Office of Community Standards shares whether or not a student is in "good disciplinary standing" meaning a student is not currently on Disciplinary Probation or a higher disciplinary status at the College. While the Office of Community Standards shares this information, it is the determination of the specific College office whether or not a student's disciplinary standing factors into their hiring practices or educational opportunities. Inquiries about criteria for specific student opportunities should be directed to the corresponding College office.

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In the interest of protecting Champlain College students from serious injury due to impairment caused by alcohol or drugs, students should be aware that in ALL cases where safety is at risk, the proper agencies must be contacted for assistance. These agencies include Champlain College Campus Public Safety (802-865-6465), local police or emergency services (911) or a member of the Housing and Residential Life staff (student RA or other Housing & Residential Life professional).

It is our belief that we all have a responsibility to help those in need by seeking the proper medical assistance when necessary. This policy hopes to promote all members of the Champlain College community in seeking out help for themselves or others when assistance is needed for the safety, security, and health of others.

In cases where the proper calls are made for assistance, both the impaired student and the student assisting may not be subject to formal disciplinary action for being impaired or for providing alcohol or drugs. Students involved in these incidents will participate in a meeting with the Office of Community Standards and may be referred for assessment/counseling. Families may be notified, but there will not be punitive sanctions. This resolution is available for isolated incidents and does not excuse or protect those who repeatedly violate the Champlain College's Alcohol, Cannabis, and other Drug Policy. It is our belief that we all have a responsibility to help those in need by seeking the proper medical assistance when necessary.

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As members of the Champlain College community, students and student organizations are expected to know and abide by the Student Code of Conduct. Champlain has identified the behavioral expectations and standards it has for its students. Students who fail to do so may be referred to the College's Conduct Review process.

Students are expected to know and abide by the terms and conditions of the residence hall contracts specific to the Main Campus and 194 Saint Paul St. properties. More information regarding the specifics of these contracts can be found by contacting Housing & Residential Life at their website here. Any violation of these policies or regulations may be considered a breach of the contract and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from Champlain College housing.

Residential students are responsible for all events, items, and/or behaviors that occur within their room, suite, or apartment. If a residential student is uncomfortable with what is taking place in their residence (e.g., drinking, drug use, noise, too many guests, etc.), the College expects students to address policy violations with their peers, to set expectations that are mutually acceptable, and to uphold the expectations of the College. If this is not possible, the student is obligated to leave their residence, to contact a member of the Housing & Residential Life team, and/or call Campus Public Safety.

Student conduct proceedings may be instituted against a student and/or student organization who is subject to prosecution for violation of law in any judicial venue without regard to the timeline or outcome of the judicial proceedings, when the alleged conduct is also a violation of the Champlain College Student Code of Conduct.

Champlain College students are expected to know and abide by each of the following policies and prohibited behaviors, outlined in the sections below.

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A. Statement of Student Rights & Responsibilities

A student who has been charged with an alleged violation of College policy is entitled to the following rights:

  • A student may choose not to participate in the conduct review process. The College may choose to pursue an investigation, hold a hearing, and issue sanctions regardless of the student's chosen level of participation, but the student will not be subject to additional charges or sanctions due to their choice to abstain from participation.

  • A student has the right to a hearing before an objective decision-maker. Accordingly, reasonable measures will be taken to ensure that no conflict of interest exists between the student and the hearing officer.

  • A student may be accompanied by one advisor of their choosing during a hearing. The advisory role is a non-participatory one, and the advisor may not ask questions of the hearing officer or speak for the student. If an advisor does not comply, they will be asked to leave the hearing room.

  • Students have the right to appeal decisions made by their hearing officer.

B.  All local, state, and Federal laws and ordinances.

C. All published policies, rules, and regulations of Champlain College, whether violations occur on or off campus.

D. Other prohibited behaviors:

  • Disturbing the peace or creating undue noise.

  • Disrupting the lawful and orderly activities of others; exhibiting disruptive or disrespectful behavior in any College facility, classroom (on-campus or online), laboratory, or online environment or the surrounding neighborhood

  • Forging or altering physical or electronic documents

  • Falsifying academic records or giving false information to be entered on an academic record

  • Failure to accurately report an arrest by any law enforcement agency to the Office of Community Standards within 24 hours of release

  • Being charged with or convicted of a crime. If, after acceptance of enrollment, it comes to the attention of the College that a student has been charged with or convicted of a crime, the offer of admission or the privilege of attending Champlain College may be revoked

  • Audio- or video-recording, photographing another, or distributing a recording or photograph of another without their consent, particularly when such an act could cause emotional distress

  • Unauthorized use or misuse of Champlain College organizational names and images

  • Tampering with administrative records or giving false information to be used in an administrative capacity

  • Failing to comply with local, state, or federal laws, statutes, or ordinances, regardless of whether prosecution ensues, and regardless of the location of the violation.

E. Campus Policies

  • Noise Policy
  • Engaging in disruptive behavior that interferes with the learning of others
  • Refusal to leave another's room, office, or designated space when requested to do so
  • Providing false information or misrepresenting one's identity to a College official or their representative
  • Tampering with the election of any College-recognized student organization

F. Failure to Comply

  • Failing to comply with any written or electronically-published College policies, including but not limited to: 
    • Information Systems Policies 
    • Alcohol, Cannabis, and other Drug Policy 
    • Animal Policy 
    • Fire Safety Policy 
    • Housing & Residential Life Policies 
    • Parking Policy

  • Failing to comply with the reasonable directives of College officials or their representatives, including failure to complete assigned sanctions
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Please see Housing & Residential Life Section for specific policies pertaining to resident students and their guests at Housing & Residential Life policies.

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Please click here for detailed information regarding the College's Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Drug policies.

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  • Unauthorized Access
    • Unauthorized access to any College building or unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of a means to access to any College building.

  • Key and/or ID use
    • ID Card Use and Replacement Policy

  • Failing to report a lost College identification or key in a timely manner

  • Unauthorized access to any College building or unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of a means of access to any college building.

  • Trespassing or misuse of physical or electronic access privileges.
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Fire Safety Policies

  • Arson
    • Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, or personal property or the property or another, etc.

  • Creating a fire, safety, or health hazard.
  • Setting off a fire alarm when no fire or similar emergency exists.
  • Using a fire extinguisher or other safety device when no emergency exists.
  • Tampering with or covering fire or other safety equipment.
  • Smoking Policy
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Weapons Policy

  • Possessing or using weapons, ammunition, explosives, flammable substances, or other dangerous devices is prohibited. Weapons are defined as any object or substance designed or used to inflict a wound, cause injury, or incapacitate, including but not limited to all firearms, airsoft guns, pellet guns, air pistols, air rifles; any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife or any other knife having a blade of three or more inches; black jacks, metal knuckles, fireworks, explosives and biological agents. Realistic replicas and facsimiles of weapons are also considered weapons and are therefore prohibited. The use of implements or substances not commonly used as a weapon or not expressly prohibited by this section may be a violation of this policy if used or brandished as a weapon. The use of mace or tear gas will not be a violation of this policy if used solely for self-defense. Due to their realistic likeness to weapons and potential for causing community alarm, possession or use of toy or replica weapons in a College-sanctioned activity or academic program must be approved in advance by Campus Public Safety. Exceptions can be granted only by the Campus Public Safety Office or on-duty police officers on campus in an official capacity.

  • Possessing or using weapons, ammunition, explosives, flammable substances, or other dangerous devices in violation of any law or ordinance.
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Acts of a threatening or harmful nature, including but not limited to:

  • Physical assault, regardless of whether any parties involved sustain injury

  • Blocking another's movement or ability to exit a space.

  • Intentionally or recklessly causing harm or endangering the health or safety of oneself or another person.

  • Causing, inciting or participating in any disturbance that presents a clear and present danger to self or others, causes physical harm to others, or damage and/or destruction of property.

  • Threatening Behavior: written, verbal, or physical conduct that causes a reasonable expectation of injury to the physical or mental health or safety of any person or damage to property

  • Harassment: behavior that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or objectively offensive so as to interfere with, limit, or deny the ability to participate in or benefit from the College's educational, residential, or employment programs or activities. Note that this policy applies only to incidents of harassment that are not covered under the Discrimination and Harassment Policy or the Sexual Misconduct Policy; Incidents of harassment that are covered by the Discrimination and Harassment Policy or Sexual Misconduct Policy will be investigated and adjudicated as outlined in the appropriate policy and its related processes.

  • Harassment Policy
  • Intimidation: implied threats or acts that cause a reasonable fear of harm in another.

  • Bullying: repeated and/or severe aggressive behaviors that intimidate or intentionally harm or control another person physically or emotionally.

  • Dangerous or Disruptive Behavior
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  • Theft of College property or the property of another, including goods and services; knowingly taking or maintaining possession of stolen property. See more about theft here.

  • Intentional and/or reckless misuse, destruction, or vandalism of College property or the property of other people without authorization.

  • Theft or unauthorized acquisition, removal or use of property, including computer hardware or software.

  • Stealing cash or merchandise, falsifying time cards or otherwise defrauding an employer during an internship, field experience or work-study placement.
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As a part of Champlain College's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, hazing is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. 

  • Hazing is defined as: Any act committed by a person, whether individually or with others, against a student or employee in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with the College; and which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating or demeaning the student or employee or endangering the mental or physical health of a student or employee. More info can be found here Discrimination and Harassment Policy

  • State of Vermont Hazing Law
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Any intentional, adverse or retaliatory action against a participant in the College's conduct, harassment and discrimination, and/or Sexual Misconduct processes.

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See more information here at Champlain College Dining and Sodexo Champlain College.

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  • The Student Code of Conduct supports the academic mission of Champlain College and the Academic Honesty policy found here.

  • Additionally, the following behaviors are prohibited in addition to those found in the Academic Honesty policy:

    • 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

    • Attempting to deceive a faculty member in preparation of papers, reports, homework assignments, and other written or oral exercises, or participating with another in attempting to deceive a faculty member
    • Cheating on exams or tests by giving, receiving or using unauthorized help

    • 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
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Study Abroad/Champlain Abroad conduct

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  • Specific policies and information can be found here at IT Support.

  • Additionally, other prohibited behaviors include:

    • Misusing technology by accessing inappropriate or illegal materials, or by interfering with the network in any way that affects others at the College.
    • Tampering with or illegally copying software or copying others' computer programs.
    • Unauthorized access of an electronic file, account, database, or software program to use, read, change, or transfer information.
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