The Western Texas College board of trustees approved updating three different policies concerning student discipline during today’s meeting.
One policy update covered the definitions of discipline and procedures that may be taken against a student. Most of the information was condensed because it was in a different policy, WTC President Dr. Barbara Beebe said.
A second policy was about the student’s right and responsibilities. Beebe said one of the changes is a student is considered scholastically dishonest if he or she uses an outside source to help during a test without the permission of an instructor.
Also added to the policy is the college being allowed to determine if a student is under the influence of drugs and alcohol by “drug testing or other means.” Information about e-cigarette use is also outlined in the revised policy.
The final policy updated the discipline procedure, which included who handles hearings.
An expulsion hearing will go directly to the board of trustees, the policy states.
Beebe said any other hearing would go through the process and the president’s office would be the final appeal.
Beebe said in order for an expulsion hearing to take place, the violation would have to be severe. Board member Jay Kidd said one example could be a student pulling a gun in a classroom. Board chairman Lee Presswood said a terroristic threat could be a reason for expulsion.
Beebe said the college has not had to expel a student in the past.
The policy states that students will have to contact the dean of student services within 10 days of the violation.
Beebe said the timeframe was changed from a “reasonable time” to 10 days to streamline the process.
If a hearing is necessary, a disciplinary appeals committee will meet with all parties.
The president will appoint the committee chairman and the two will consult on two faculty representatives. The dean of student services, president and chairman will decide on two student representatives.
The student may have an attorney present, but not allowed to speak. The policy states the student must speak for himself and question witnesses. Beebe said the attorney, or another representative, could give advice.
The board agreed to change the policy to have the hearing notice and results delivered to the students in writing by both email and a letter placed in the student’s mailbox.
Students will now have one day after a committee’s finding to appeal the decision to the president.
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