Student Integrity and Conduct

Northern Virginia Community College is committed to the goals and ethics of academic investigation and education. The foundation of academic pursuit is the process of free inquiry, in which individuals may openly explore and express ideas. Free inquiry requires an environment that encourages open investigation, as well as the educational growth and positive social development of individuals.

Prominent among NOVA’s community standards are tenants of leadership, mutual respect, and civility for all. Membership in Nighthawk activities require a concern for the common good and the wellbeing for all partners within our community. Respect and civility is afforded to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, family status, socioeconomic level, educational background, veteran status, or position.

https://www.nvcc.edu/students/handbook/conduct.html#panel4
When a student is found responsible for violating the Code of Conduct, sanctions will be imposed. Disciplinary sanctions generally attempt to accomplish the following:

1. provide fair and just consequences for misconduct
2. provide protection for the safety and property of the college community
3. enhance the academic environment
4. discourage future violations of the Code of Conduct
5. contribute to the growth and development of the student. Any sanction imposed applies to the entire College.

There are two types of sanctions -- administrative and educational. Administrative sanctions are more formal actions and frequently relate to the status of the student at the College. Administrative sanctions may be assigned independent of or in conjunction with educational sanctions. Educational sanctions are designed to include developmental activities related to specific acts of misconduct. The goals of educational sanctions are to reduce the probability of repeat behavior, to give students the opportunity to demonstrate personal growth, and to appropriately restore behaviors conducive to NOVA’s academic environment. Educational sanctions may be assigned independent of or in conjunction with administrative sanctions.

• Read and reread the hearing notification that includes the charge(s). Make sure you understand the charge and thoroughly review the Student Code of Conduct.
• Set a reminder with the date, time and location of the hearing (that information is located in the hearing notification) in your phone or planner.
• You may request access to any relevant evidence from the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities (OSRR).
• Are there any witnesses that observed the alleged incident? If so, contact those individuals and request they share their observations with OSRR. Be advised that witness statements and/or attendance at hearings is encouraged. In addition, you may submit in writing the names and contact information of witnesses within three business days prior to your hearing.
• Prepare any relevant evidence (if applicable) to present during the hearing.
• You’re permitted an advisor at your hearing. This individual may include, but is not limited to, a member of the campus community, parent, guardian, relative, friend, or attorney.
  • To have an advisor at the hearing.
    • A student who intends to have an advisor present at the hearing must notify the OSRR in writing at least three days prior to the hearing. The notice must contain the advisor’s name, contact information, and relationship to the student.
    • The advisor’s role is not to represent the complainant or accused student. The advisor may not speak for the individual or ask questions of witnesses or complainants.
    • The advisor must agree to sign a confidentiality agreement.
• Prepare questions to ask of any witnesses or rebut any evidence presented at the hearing. The OSRR or the chair of the panel may require that questions be submitted in writing.
• Be prepared to enter a response to each charge (responsible or not responsible).