Office of Student Affairs & Activities

Student Code of Conduct Faculty Resources

Overview

Foothill College is dedicated to maintaining a respectful and productive academic environment. Faculty play a crucial role in upholding the Student Code of Conduct by fostering an atmosphere of integrity and accountability in the classroom. The following resources are designed to support faculty in understanding, implementing, and addressing student conduct issues.

Board Policies

Foothill College operates under a set of board-approved policies that guide our actions and decisions in matters of student code of conduct, and Title IX. These policies ensure that our practices align with state and federal regulations while upholding the values of our institution.

• Student Code of Conduct Policies  
  • Administrative Procedure 5510: Student Code of Conduct.
  • Administrative Procedure 5520: Student Due Process and Discipline.

Reporting Student Conduct Violations

Faculty are encouraged to report any violations of the Student Code of Conduct promptly. This ensures that issues are addressed swiftly and fairly, maintaining the integrity of our academic community.

What to Expect After Reporting: Faculty will receive confirmation of their report and may be contacted for further information if needed.

• Report Academic Integrity Conduct
• Student Conduct
• Bias Hate
• Behavior Intervention Team (BIT): Worrisome or Threatening Behaviors
• Psychological Assistance
• Student Grievance Form
• Title IX- Sexual Misconduct & Harassment

Classroom Management Strategies

Proactive classroom management can prevent many conduct issues from arising. This section offers tips and best practices for creating a positive learning environment, setting clear expectations, and addressing minor disruptions before they escalate.

Classroom Management Resources

Restorative Justice Approach

At Foothill College, we believe in a restorative justice approach to addressing student conduct issues. This method focuses on repairing harm, restoring relationships, and reintegrating students into the community. We aim to create opportunities for students to learn from their mistakes, make amends, and contribute positively to the college environment.

Restorative Justice is driven by four guiding principles: 

• Inclusive decision-making - Putting the decision-making back into the hands of the individuals who care most about the harm that has occurred. 
• Active accountability - An offender cannot sit back and be judged. They must be engaged in the process and take responsibility. 
• Repairing harm - Focuses on hearing a reparation to bring up the harmed party. 
• Rebuilding trust - Rebuilding the relationships so that the offender can once again be trusted and the harmed party can feel safe. 

Karp, D. R. (2013). The little book of restorative justice for Colleges and universities: repairing harm and rebuilding trust in response to Student Misconduct. Intercourse, PA: Good Books. 

Educational Approach

We prioritize an educational approach over punitive measures in our judicial process. This philosophy recognizes that students are here to learn, not only in the classroom but also in their interactions with others and their understanding of community standards. We provide resources and support to help students understand the impact of their actions and encourage them to make better choices in the future.