Frequently Asked Questions

General /Administrative Questions

Why would I visit the Dean of Students Office?
The Dean of Students Office can help you work through many questions and concerns. Students often visit the Dean of Students Office when they are unclear about where to turn for help. We are focused on problem solving and can help you if:

• You become extremely ill or have an emergency situation causing you to miss class. You have to eventually contact your professors, but we can help you work through this process in a timely manner.
• Feel like you are at a loss and not getting answers to your questions. We can point you in the right directions and help you connect with the appropriate university staff or faculty member.
• A great place to problem solve and work through complex issues with a professional staff member.
• Feel you were mistreated and want to find out about your rights and due process.
• Need a neutral person to mediate or work through issues you are facing on campus.

What if I have to miss class for an extended period of time due to illness or family emergency?
You or your parent should contact the Dean of Students Office. With your permission, we will notify your professors of your current circumstances.

Judicial Affairs Questions

How is the Dean of Students Office notified of allegations of misconduct?
Reports of alleged misconduct can be reported in a number of ways including, but not limited to: Incident Reports generated by Public Safety reports, referrals from the campus community.

What happens if I am "written up" by a member of the College on an alleged violation?
If you are written up, you can expect to receive a letter within a couple of days requiring you to schedule a meeting with the Assistant Dean of Students.

Where can I obtain a copy of the Student Code of Conduct?
The Student Code of Conduct is available in the current College Catalog.

What is a Code of Conduct Hearing?
A Code of Conduct hearing is a hearing held for the purpose of reviewing the incident report and specifically discussing the student’s behavior and the basis for the allegations, ascertaining the facts and determining responsibility. During the meeting, the student will have the opportunity to share information and discuss the incident.

What is a Code of Conduct Committee?
A Code of Conduct Committee is comprised of two administrators, two faculty members and two students, who review incidents and hold Code of Conduct Hearings. The committee determines findings of responsibility and submits sanctions based upon the information gleaned during the hearing.

For Parents

What should my student do if he/she feels that they have not been treated fairly by a faculty or staff member?
Differences of opinion and misunderstandings can occur in any community and Nassau Community College has procedures that ensure your student’s right to file a grievance or make a complaint. Of course approaching the faculty or staff person with which there may be a problem to discuss the issue is usually the first step. Where that fails there are a number of formal grievance procedures that might be appropriate.

What if my student becomes ill while at Nassau Community College?
The Office of Health Services provides emergency care, medical care, consultation and referrals to appropriate health facilities. A current and extensive array of health-related literature is available. Nurses, doctors and counselors are available. Visit the College Student Health Services Web site for more information.

For Students

What is a Code of Conduct Hearing?
It is a meeting held for the purpose of reviewing the incident report and specifically discussing the student’s behavior and the basis for the allegations, ascertaining the facts and determining responsibility. During the meeting, the student will have the opportunity to share information and discuss the incident.

What is a Code of Conduct Committee?
It is a board of student peers who have applied and been selected to serve on the board for an academic year. There committee is comprised of two administrators, two faculty members and two students, who review incidents and hold conduct meetings. The committee determines findings of responsibility and submits recommendations for sanctions to the Dean of Students, who makes the

What happens after the conduct Hearing?
Based upon the information presented during the conduct hearing, a determination is made with regards to responsibility for the alleged violation(s). If a student is found not responsible, the matter is considered resolved and no further action is taken. The student will be notified of the finding by letter.

If a student is found responsible for violating Student Code of Conduct Policy, sanctions will be determined and the student will be informed in writing of the decision, the required sanctions and the deadlines for completion.

What is a sanction and some examples of sanctions?
A sanction is a penalty for violating the Student Code of Conduct Policy. The sanction(s) provides the student with the opportunity to examine behavior and decision-making. In addition to encouraging the growth and development of the student, sanctions serve as a deterrent for future misconduct, provide accountability for misconduct and protect the College community.

Sanctions can range from a verbal and/or written reprimand to permanent expulsion from the College. Examples of commonly assigned sanctions include: Social probation, Community Service or a creative sanction. Creative sanctions may involve writing a paper, or developing an informational brochure for the College.

Will disciplinary actions appear on my record?
Disciplinary actions do not appear on the official academic transcript. A separate disciplinary file is maintained in the Dean of Students Office for a period of seven years and then confidentially destroyed.

Will parents, potential employers, landlords or other persons be notified or informed of a disciplinary action or record?
All student records are confidential and information will not be released to parents, potential employers or landlords without the written consent of the student. College officials may have access to records on a need-to-know basis.

Where can I go to find more information about the student judicial process?
Copies of policies pertaining to discipline, such as Student Code of Conduct Policy, Academic Dishonesty Policy and other related policies are available from the Dean of Students Office, located in the College Center Building, Room 310, or in the Judicial Affairs section of this site.