Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights Success Hub

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Students Must

• Students will read, know, understand, and abide by the Student Code of Conduct and all other College policies.
• Students know right from wrong and will make appropriate choices.
• Students understand that the College’s official means of communication is via their student email.
• Students are responsible for updating their personal contact information.
• Students will take responsibility for their own actions and, in some cases, their guests.
• Students will be honest and admit when their actions violate the Student Code of Conduct.
• Students will understand that if they violate the Student Code of Conduct and engage in behaviors that are detrimental to themselves and/or the community, they will be held accountable for this behavior and educated accordingly.
• Students will understand that egregious and/or repeated violations of the Code of Conduct will result in suspension or expulsion.

Academic Complaints

Complaints of an academic nature are generally resolved within the division offering the course in which the complaint occurs. Questions or disagreements about grades, performance in class, assignments, and class rules and procedures must be discussed first with the instructor outside of the classroom environment. If the issue cannot be resolved with the instructor, the student may then speak with the instructor’s supervising coordinator by filling out a Student Complaint Form. If there is no supervising coordinator, the complaint will be routed to the Department Chair or Dean form to request a meeting with the department chair.  If the issue is not resolved after speaking with the supervising coordinator and/or the department chair, the student may take the complaint to the dean of the division. If the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved by the dean, the student may file a final appeal with the vice president for academic affairs or his/her designee.

After meeting with the student, the instructor, supervisor, department chair, and dean must complete the Student Complaint/Appeal Administrative Tracking Form and provide it and any supporting data to the next person who hears the complaint no longer than 30 days after the submission of the appeal.

Student Conduct Process

Any member of the College community may submit an Incident Report in response to an alleged Student Code of Conduct violation enacted by a student. The Vice President for Student Affairs and/or official designee has the discretion to dismiss the alleged charges or file formal charges against the respondent. Other forms of reporting that may initiate possible action being taken upon a respondent are as follows:

College Police report or a report from another law enforcement agency in the surrounding community and/or state/federal government.

Written statement(s) from any member of the College community that indicates a student has allegedly violated the Student Code of Conduct.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs sends all students that may have violated the Student Code of Conduct an official letter informing the student of his/her alleged violation(s) and to attend a Student Rights Information Session. Students are granted seven business days to respond to this letter and attend the Student Rights Information Session.

Once this initial letter is sent to an official student email account, that student is known as a respondent for the duration of the conduct process. Upon completion of a Student Rights Information Session, the respondent can decide to accept the charges as they stand (Summary/Informal Resolution) or select a formal hearing.

If a formal hearing is selected, the program coordinator for Student Rights and Responsibilities and the respondent set a date for the formal hearing. Hearings are scheduled within seven days of the Student Rights Information Session. However, the Vice President for Student Affairs and/or designee reserve the right to extend this timeframe based on the circumstances of involved parties.

If there are any witnesses that would like to give testimony or provide a written statement to be read into the record at the hearing, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs must be made aware of those individuals five days prior to the formal hearing date.

The program coordinator for Student Rights and Responsibilities has ten days, from the date of the formal hearing, to issue a student conduct hearing outcome letter. The student conduct hearing outcome letter contains the following:

• List of the violations of the Student Code of Conduct;
• Brief description of behavior that may have violated the Student Code of Conduct;
• Decision rationale; and
• Appeal information (should the respondent be found responsible for Student Code of Conduct violations).

Academic Integrity Sanctions

After the faculty member has submitted the Incident Report Form:

The faculty member shall assign a grade of “zero” for the assignment.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs in conjunction with the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Student Success shall send a written warning via the student’s College email (personal email if not assigned) and notification of the report of the first violation to the student, explaining the nature of the violation with a warning that a second academic integrity violation will result in a failing grade, even if it occurs in a class different from the first violation and in a different term. Faculty members shall be copied on this letter.

This notice shall create a violation of academic integrity record for the student and serve as the student’s first academic integrity violation and warning. If a student is reported for a second violation, the student must attend a meeting with the reporting faculty member and the coordinator, chair, or dean of the department to discuss the charge. If the student is found responsible for a second violation of academic integrity, it will result in a failing grade for the course in which the student commits the second violation. The student will not have the option to withdraw or change status to audit once the incident report has been submitted. The Office Student Rights and Responsibilities in conjunction with the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Student Success will then notify the student in writing via the student’s College email (personal email if not assigned) of the attendant penalty for a second violation, and copy the instructor as well. The instructor will then issue an F for the course in which the second violation occurred.

If the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Student Success and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs finds that a student has committed three or more academic integrity violations, the student will be notified in writing of the allegation and the attendant penalty for this third violation. If the student is found responsible for this third violation of academic integrity, the Assistant Vice President for Curriculum, Programs and Regulation in the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning and Student Success, will notify the faculty member, who will issue an F for the course in which the third violation occurred. A third violation will result in a judicial record and possible suspension. The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs will contact the student to initiate the student conduct process noted in Section 6—Student Conduct Process of the Student Code of Conduct.

Appeal Procedure for Bridges of Academic Integrity

Students have the right to appeal any decision which results in sanctions and/or disciplinary action for Academic Integrity.

A student may appeal the grade sanctions imposed by the faculty member to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Student Success, by completing an Academic Integrity Appeal Form online. The appeal must be submitted within seven business days of the date the student is informed of the decision. The notification of the appeal may be delivered in person or by student email. The student is responsible for ensuring that timelines are met. For the purposes of delivering appeals, business days shall be considered Monday through Friday.

If further non-academic sanctions were imposed by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, a student may appeal to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, by completing an Academic Integrity Appeal Form online. The appeal must be submitted in writing within seven business days of the date the student is informed of the decision. For this appeal, the student must establish the basis for the appeal to include a student’s right to due process or the severity of the determined sanction. The notification of the appeal may be delivered in person, or by student email. The student is responsible for ensuring that timelines are met. For the purposes of delivering appeals, business days shall be considered Monday through Friday.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs shall follow the relevant provisions governing disciplinary proceedings in the Student Code of Conduct. In cases involving an appeal to an academic integrity violation, a final decision will be made jointly by the Executive Vice President and Provost for Teaching, Learning and Student Success and the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities

• Students will be treated fairly.
• Students will receive timely notification of charges, status updates, and resolutions.
• Students will have their questions regarding processes and services answered completely and in a timely manner.
• Students will be referred to other College offices as needed.
• Information regarding a student’s conduct history will be kept confidential, with information released only to those with a legitimate right to know.
• In cases involving drugs, suspension, and expulsion, a student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may be notified when the student is found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct policies.

Student Athlete Concern

A student athlete complaint process has been set up; community members can share concerns related to, but not limited to, Mental and Physical well-being, Health and Safety Protocols, Team Culture, including abusive behavior, harassment or hazing by a coach, a College staff member or other student-athlete. Concerns submitted through this process will be reviewed by a senior-level administrator.

Please note that this process is not intended to address such concerns as playing time and position on the team. There are separate appeal processes for violations of the substance abuse policy, student-athlete conduct policy, and issues related to National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA rules. These issues should be discussed with Athletics Director Jo Ann Rogers Todaro.

Non-Academic Complaints

Members of the College community can file a non-academic complaint. Complaints can be filed for any legitimate reasons when a service is not provided, or their student rights have not been granted. Complaints should discuss the issue with the person or department prior to submitting a non-academic complaint. The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities routes the complaint to the supervisor or department investigator for review. 

After a review of the information or meeting with the student, the instructor, supervisor, department chair, and dean must complete the Student Complaint/Appeal Administrative Tracking Form and provide it and any supporting data to the next person who hears the complaint no longer than 30 days after the submission of appeal.

Appeals for Dealing with Disruptive Behavior

A student may appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs any adverse action taken or decision made under this rule, except those appeals from decisions of the vice president shall be to the president, who may appoint a designee to consider the same. A student may also seek redress through the department chair of any adverse academic impact of an absence from class imposed under this rule.

1. Any such appeal must be in writing and delivered to the Vice President for Student Affairs (or president, if the appeal is from the vice president’s decision) not later than two working days after the student receives notice of the decision. Notice may be delivered to the student or mailed to the student at his or her last address recorded in the Office of Records and Registration. Notice by mail shall be conclusively presumed to have been received by the student five days after the date it is deposited in the mail, first class, postage prepaid, and properly addressed.
2. The party considering the appeal will expeditiously conduct such investigation as he or she deems appropriate to determine whether or not the decision appealed is supported by substantial credible evidence, and will give the student an opportunity to present his or her side of the case before deciding the appeal.
3. The decision will be affirmed if supported by substantial credible evidence and if consistent with college policies, procedures, regulations, and rules.
4. A student otherwise barred from attending class will not be permitted to attend class pending appeal except with the written permission of the Vice President for Student Affairs or president, if the appeal is from the vice president’s decision.

Request for Outreach Program

The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities is committed to educating students about their role as members of our college community and society. Through marketing campaigns, participation in educational workshops, and facilitated conversations, students are empowered to think beyond themselves and understand how their actions affect their future, the lives of others, and their community. Any department or student club of the College community can request an Outreach Program. Requests can be made at conduct@pgcc.edu.

• Academic Integrity
• Alcohol and Drug Prevention (Marijuana and Prescription Drug)
• Bystander Intervention
• Civility Topics Focusing On Campus Culture
• Classroom Management and Responding to Disruptions
• Conduct Records and the Job Search
• Cyber Bullying and Social Media
• Ethical Decision Making
• Family Educational Right and Privacy Act/ FERPA (Buckley Amendment) – Confidentiality
• Sexual Misconduct Prevention And Response
• The Code of Student Conduct and How It Applies to Students On and Off Campus

Student Rights

Students shall have the right:

1. of free inquiry, expression, assembly, and advocacy; and
2. to form and join organizations for legal purposes; individually and through representative organizations, to express views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of interest to the student body;
3. to a student press free of censorship;
4. to participate in recommendations on the allocation of funds derived from student fees;
5. to participate in the evaluation of faculty performance;
6. to due process of disciplinary proceedings;
7. to fair and unbiased academic evaluations based upon defined criteria, appropriate to the course, of which the instructor has advised them in writing at the beginning of the course, and to the review of academic evaluations;
8. to receive competent instruction, relevant to the subject matter, at the times and places assigned for their courses;
9. to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of instruction, and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion;
10. to be protected against improper disclosure of information about their views, beliefs, academic evaluations, political associations, and educational records; and
11. To enjoy a college experience free from discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Students shall be responsible:

1. to meet the established requirements of the course in which they
   are enrolled;
2. to exercise their rights of free inquiry, expression, assembly, and advocacy in a manner which will not interfere with the rights of others or with the operation of the College;
3. to exercise their rights of free inquiry, expression and advocacy in the classroom in a manner which is relevant to the subject matter of the instructional program and is subject to the right of the instructor to maintain order;
4. to meet the obligations of responsible journalism in the student press; and
5. to comply with the College policies, procedures, and regulations applicable to students and student conduct.

Educational Interventions and Sanctions

1. Warning: Notice to the student that continuation or repetition of specified conduct may be cause for other disciplinary action.
2. Censure: Written reprimand for violation of specified regulation.
3. Educational Assignment: A developmental task or writing assignment designed to make a positive contribution to student’s overall success at the College.
4. Community Service: The completion of a specified amount of service hours to the campus and/or surrounding community.
5. Personal Counseling Assessment: A referral to Counseling Services, Disability Support Services, and other College student services may be required for some cases.
6. Restitution: In addition to any of the foregoing, reimbursement may be required for damage to or misappropriation of property. This may take the form of appropriate service or other compensation.
7. No Contact Order: A clear directive to cease and decease from any contact with a specified member of the College community. This includes, but not limited to, all faculty, staff, and students.
8. Campus Restrictions: A student’s privilege to enter in, or be near, specified campus buildings, areas, and/or extension centers has been revoked.
9. Probation: Exclusion from participation in privileges or extracurricular College activities as set forth in the notice of probation for a specified period of time. If a student while on probation violates any of the terms set forth in the notice of probation or violates the Student Code of Conduct, as determined after the opportunity for a hearing, he/she shall be subject to further discipline in the form of suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.
10. Interim Suspension: Exclusion from classes and other privileges or activities as set forth in the notice of interim suspension, pending final determination of an alleged violation.
11. Deferred Suspension: Completion of specified educational sanctions upon a specified date. If aforementioned sanctions have not been completed, the suspension will take immediate effect.
12. Suspension: Exclusion from classes and exclusion from other privileges or activities or from the College as set forth in the notice of suspension, for a definite period of time, with reinstatement thereafter dependent upon a showing of observance during the period of suspension of the terms set forth in the notice of suspension. If a student, while on suspension, violates any of the terms set forth in the notice of suspension or violates the Student Code of Conduct while on college property or in relation to a College-sponsored activity, as determined after the opportunity for a hearing, he/she shall be subject to further discipline in the form of dismissal or expulsion.
13. Dismissal: Termination of student status for an indefinite period. The student may be readmitted to the College only with the specific approval of the president. If a dismissed student violates the Student Code of Conduct while on College property or in relation to a College-sponsored activity, he/she shall be subject to further discipline in the form of expulsion.
14. Expulsion: Permanent termination of student status without possibility of readmission to any campus of the College.
15. Other: Other types of discipline as set forth in campus regulations.

Data Requests

Faculty and staff can request student conduct data for the following information:

• Conduct statistics
• Alcohol and Drug statistics
• Clery information
• Verification of records for clubs
• Scholarships
• Athletics
• Off-campus trips

Requests can be made by email at conduct@pgcc.edu.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

It is the policy of the Board to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and to provide for its employees and students a workplace which is drug-free. The president is authorized to make, promulgate, issue, rescind, and amend reasonable rules, regulations, and procedures to carry out this policy and to assure compliance with the Drug-Free Act of 1988. In addition, the College expects all members of the College community to comply with all federal, state, and local laws pertaining to the possession, use, manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of alcohol and drugs. A more detailed overview of the College’s can be found on the College’s website.

PGCC Faith-Based and Religious Accommodations

Prince George's Community College is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful community. In accordance with Maryland House Bill 923 (MD HB923) concerning academic accommodation appeals related to religion, the College upholds the prohibition of any unlawful discrimination or harassment based on religion.

We are dedicated to our Core Commitments and our efforts to provide reasonable religious accommodations to our students who face conflicts between their sincerely held religious practices or beliefs and any college policy, procedure, or academic requirement.

Students are required to check their course syllabi at the beginning of the semester for any religious or cultural conflicts. Additionally, students must inform their professors within 14 days of the semester and discuss arrangements for missed classes or assignments.

If students are Sabbath-observant, they must make this fact known to their professors for any course in which Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (depending on your faith) work is required.

If you require an Academic Religious Accommodation Appeal, please click here.

For the purpose of this policy, a religious practice or belief is defined as a sincerely held practice or observance that includes moral or ethical convictions regarding the nature, purpose, and cause of the universe. Religion encompasses not only conventional and organized religious beliefs, it also encompasses new, uncommon, or non-institutional religious beliefs subscribed to by a limited number of individuals.

A religious accommodation is characterized as a reasonable modification to class, exams, or assignments that allows a student to engage in their sincerely held religious practices or beliefs without imposing undue hardship on the college.

Some examples of religious accommodations may include designated time for prayer during the class which is normal practice, and the opportunity to participate in religious events or observe religious holidays. All accommodations must be reasonable and should not cause undue hardship to the college.

For more information on your rights, please contact:

• Office of Student Rights: 301-546-0887
• PGCC Institutional Information and Policies
• Maryland General Assembly: HB0923
• U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
• Know Your Rights: Title VI and Religion

PGCC is committed to our Core Commitments promoting Students First, Achievement, Continuous Improvement, Empathy, Equity, and Integrity; our effort is aimed at ensuring that all community members can pursue their educational goals while honoring their deeply-held religious beliefs.

Registered Sex Offender Admissions Policy and Campus Safety Compliance

Prince George’s Community College practices an open-door admissions policy, meaning it is open to all high school graduates and holders of high school equivalency degrees or certificates. Students are admitted to the College without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. However, specific requirements apply to individuals listed on the Maryland Sex Offender Registry or the National Sex Offender Registry. 

PGCC requires that any individual who is listed on the National Sex Offender Registry or the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Sex Offender Registry must comply with all local and state reporting requirements and must notify the College upon enrollment. Notification must be made to the Department of Public Safety’s Police Chief or their designee and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities within three (3) calendar days of enrollment each semester. In addition, students who become listed on either Registry while already enrolled at the College must provide the same notification within three (3) calendar days of registration. Depending on each individual circumstance, a registered sex offender may be required to enter into an agreement with the College regarding their time at the College.

For more information, please contact:

PGCC Campus Police
Email: campuspolice@pgcc.edu
Phone: 301-546-0666

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Email: studentconduct@pgcc.edu
Phone: 301-546-0887

Procedures for Suspected Plagiarism/Cheating

A faculty or staff member who suspects plagiarism or cheating has occurred is responsible for gathering all evidence supporting the allegation of plagiarism/cheating within 15 business days after discovering the suspected violation. Once the faculty member has obtained the evidence, the faculty member shall confer with the student to discuss the alleged violation. At that conference, via telephone, email, or in person, the faculty member must present the evidence that supports the suspected violation.

If, after conferring with the student, the faculty member determines that the evidence supports the charge of plagiarism/cheating and/or the student admits to the charge of plagiarism/cheating, the faculty member shall complete and submit an Incident Report Form with accompanying documentation in the student conduct management system which routes the form to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities and copies the form to the Provost’s Office. Any subsequent appeals and documentation submitted through the student conduct management system follow the same routing destinations.

The student shall be given the opportunity to admit to or refute the charge of plagiarism/cheating based on the evidence provided. The student has the right to appeal any faculty member's decision that may result in sanctions. If the student wishes to appeal, they must use the incident reporting portal – appeal form number 8 the instructor’s decision, s/he may appeal to the academic discipline-specific Coordinator; if the student wishes to appeal the Coordinator's decision, the student may appeal to the Department Chair. This is the student’s final appeal.

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence at PGCC

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can support student learning, but their use must align with the PGCC Student Code of Conduct and the expectations set by your instructors. Misuse of AI may be considered academic dishonesty and could result in disciplinary action.

No Use (Red)

In some classes, AI use is strictly prohibited. Submitting AI-generated work as your own without authorization violates academic integrity. Examples may include:

1. Submitting an AI-generated essay or lab report as your work.
2. Using AI to complete online exams, quizzes, or assignments.
3. Copying AI-created answers without citation or permission.

Permission Required (Yellow)

Certain instructors may allow AI use only with explicit permission. Always ask first and follow the guidelines provided in your syllabus. 

If permitted, all AI material must be cited. Examples may include:

1. Using AI to brainstorm essay topics after asking your instructor.
2. Running grammar or citation checks with AI if your professor allows it.
3. Using AI tools for programming assistance is explicitly permitted in the syllabus.

Encouraged (Green)

Some courses may promote responsible AI use as a learning, research, and skill development tool.

All AI-generated material must be cited. Examples may include:

1. Using AI to generate practice problems to study for an exam.
2. Summarizing a research article with AI and then writing your own analysis.
3. Employing AI to organize study notes or create flashcards.
   
   

Note: Check your syllabus and review the PGCC Code of Conduct before using AI. When in doubt, ask your instructor.