When a student is found responsible for violating the Code of Conduct, sanctions will be imposed. Disciplinary sanctions generally attempt to accomplish the following:
- provide fair and just consequences for misconduct
- provide protection for the safety and property of the college community
- enhance the academic environment
- discourage future violations of the Code of Conduct
- 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 challenge students. Educational sanctions may be assigned independent of or in conjunction with administrative sanctions.
Sanctions may include but are not limited to:
Administrative Sanctions
Disciplinary Warning: A warning to a student that his/her conduct was questionable and/or inappropriate and that further misconduct will result in more severe disciplinary action. Disciplinary warning may include a behavior agreement or contract.
Disciplinary Probation: Disciplinary probation is assigned for a specified period of time and is intended to foster reflection, responsibility, and improved decision making. During this period the student is not in good standing with the College. The terms of probation may include restrictions of student privileges and/or set specific behavioral expectations. Misconduct while on probation or failure to comply with any conditions or to complete any assignments related to the probation may lead to more severe disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.
Suspension: Disciplinary suspension of the student from the College is assigned for a specified period of time that excludes the student from registration, class attendance, and use of College facilities. During the period of disciplinary suspension, the student will be prohibited from using or visiting College facilities unless special permission is obtained from the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Deferred Suspension: Deferred suspension is for a specified period of time. During the time of deferred suspension, involvement at the College is restricted to academic activities. A student under deferred suspension who is found responsible for further violations of the Student Code of Conduct will be immediately suspended or expelled.
Expulsion: Expulsion of a student from the College is permanent and requires administrative review and approval by the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities or designee. A student who is expelled from the College is prohibited from using or visiting College facilities unless permission is obtained from the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities of Student Services or designee.
Educational Sanctions
Include but are not limited to:
Apology Letter: May be assigned to students whose behavior had a negative impact on a particular individual or business more so than the community at large (i.e. theft).
Community Service or Service Learning Experience: May be assigned to students whose behavior or pattern of behavior disrupted the community in some way.
Counseling: (substance abuse, anger management, etc.) May be assigned to students whose behavior or pattern of behavior dictates a need for therapeutic rather than educational intervention.
Interview with Relevant Staff Member and Reflection Paper: May be assigned to students whose behavior indicated a need for education on a particular subject on which a College staff member is knowledgeable.
Reaction/Reflection/Research Paper: May be assigned to students who have engaged in a Code violation as a way of fostering reflection and explanation in a way that will benefit their future decision making.
Review Relevant Article, Book, Workshop, Program or Movie and Reflection Paper: May be assigned to students whose behavior violated the Code as a way of fostering exploration of a particular topic followed by reflection on the topic and how it relates to them.
Restitution: May be assigned to students whose behavior reflects damages to or misappropriation of property. Restitution may include, but is not limited to, reimbursements, compensation, and service.
Section 1
Behavioral Violations
Charge Code Number |
Charge Code |
1.01 |
Furnishing false information to any NOVA official, faculty member or office, including falsification of documents, such as: Lying, and/or use of deception |
1.02 |
Alteration or misuse of any NOVA document, record or instrument of identification |
1.03 |
Violations of positions of trust or authority within the community |
1.04 |
Misuse or unauthorized use of the NOVA name and/or graphic |
1.05 |
Stealing or possessing stolen property |
1.06 |
Selling or attempting to sell textbooks or other personal property without permission of the owner |
1.07 |
Taking items belonging to NOVA or an auxiliary enterprise affiliated with NOVA |
1.08 |
Violating NOVA’s online security policy |
Possible Administrative Sanctions
Level of Violation |
Minimum Sanction |
Maximum Sanction |
Minor |
Disciplinary Warning |
Disciplinary Probation |
Moderate |
Disciplinary Probation/Deferred Suspension |
Suspension |
Major |
Suspension |
Expulsion |
Possible Educational Sanctions:
Counseling, reflection paper, community service, ethics seminar, research paper, review relevant article, restitution, policy review paper, interview key staff, behavior contract/agreement.
Section 2.
Behavioral Violations
Charge Code Number |
Charge Code |
2.01 |
Unruly, disrespectful, or disruptive behavior inside or outside the classroom |
2.02 |
Obstructing the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on NOVA premises or at NOVA sponsored activities |
2.03 |
Participating in or inciting a riot, disorderly assembly or demonstration |
2.04 |
Unruly, disrespectful, or disruptive behavior outside of the classroom including at Student Life activities, College sponsored trips, etc |
2.05 |
Damage to or littering NOVA grounds and/or properties owned or leased by the College |
2.06 |
Violations against property such as graffiti or automobile defacement |
2.07 |
Possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons (as defined by the weapons policy at https://www.nvcc.edu/policies/_files/108-Weapons.pdf) or dangerous chemicals while on campus unless properly authorized |
2.08 |
Violations of College policy by smoking, vaping, or hookah in any College facility or within 25 feet of any College building |
2.09 |
Violation of College or classroom policy by unauthorized use of electronic devices in the academic setting |
2.10 |
Unauthorized entry into or presence in or on any College building or facility |
Possible Administrative Sanctions
Level of Violation |
Minimum Sanction |
Maximum Sanction |
Minor |
Disciplinary Warning |
Disciplinary Probation |
Moderate |
Disciplinary Probation/Deferred Suspension/Removal from class |
Suspension |
Major |
Suspension |
Expulsion |
Possible Educational Sanctions:
Counseling, community service, reflection/research paper, review relevant article, restitution, alcohol/drug education program, letter of apology, policy review paper, interview key staff members, anti-hazing workshop, risk management education, ethical decision making program, student success programs.
Section 3.
Behavioral Violations
Charge Code Number |
Charge Code |
3.01 |
Speech or behavior which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person;Fighting |
3.02 |
Verbal abuse or bullying |
3.03 |
Creating or contributing to an intimidating or hostile environment for any member of the NOVA community |
3.04 |
Discriminatory harassment, including speech, actions or conduct which has the intent or effect of depriving a member of the community of educational access benefits or opportunities; Harassment |
3.05 |
Physical Stalking, or cyberstalking, defined as repetitive, menacing pursuit, following harassment and/or interference with the peace and/or safety of a member of the NOVA community |
3.06 |
Hazing as defined as the practice of rituals and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group |
3.07 |
Sexual misconduct, including but not limited to sexual harassment, non consensual sexual conduct, or sexual exploitation |
3.08 |
Lewd or obscene conduct including but not limited to public urination, sexual acts performed in public, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a locker room or restroom or other location where privacy is expected, possession or distribution of child pornography, possession or distribution of any obscene materials, excessive use of profanity |
3.09 |
Dating or domestic violence |
Possible Administrative Sanctions
Level of Violation |
Minimum Sanction |
Maximum Sanction |
Minor |
Disciplinary Warning |
Disciplinary Probation |
Moderate |
Disciplinary Probation/Deferred Suspension |
Suspension |
Major |
Suspension |
Expulsion |
Possible Educational Sanctions:
Counseling, community service, coordinate/attend multicultural program, reflection/research paper, review relevant article, restitution, policy review, interview staff member, letter of apology, attend sexual assault program, anti-hazing workshop, alcohol/drug education program, present to peers on selected topics
Students who have been suspended, permanently dismissed, or have withdrawn from a college while under investigation for an offense involving sexual violence under the college's sexual misconduct policy will have a notation stating either "Suspended/Dismissed for a violation of, or withdrew while under investigation for a violation of [the name of the College's] sexual misconduct policy" placed on their permanent records. Colleges may place a statement on the transcript, which shall state “Misconduct Dismissal.” Students under investigation for sexual violence will have an XIT Service Indicator placed on their SIS record.
Section 4.
Behavioral Violations
Charge Code Number |
Charge Code |
4.01 |
Violations of campus and College emergency regulations, i.e. failure to comply with emergency evacuation procedures, tampering with fire protection apparatus, etc. |
4.02 |
Failure to comply with the directions of NOVA officials, including campus police officers and others acting in the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so |
4.03 |
Use of alcoholic beverages including the purchase, serving, consumption, possession, or sale of such items on College property or any College sponsored event or activity; being under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances on College property or any College sponsored event or activity (See complete alcohol and drug policy) |
4.04 |
Gambling or holding a raffle or lottery on the campus or at any College function without proper approval |
4.05 |
Possessing, using, selling or distributing controlled substances (as defined by the College) |
4.06 |
Violation of federal , state or local laws |
Possible Administrative Sanctions
Level of Violation |
Minimum Sanction |
Maximum Sanction |
Minor |
Disciplinary Warning |
Disciplinary Probation |
Moderate |
Disciplinary Probation/Deferred Suspension |
Suspension |
Major |
Suspension |
Expulsion |
Possible Educational Sanctions:
Counseling, community service, reflection/research paper, review relevant article, restitution, policy review, police ride along, alcohol/drug education program,
Section 5.
See academic Integrity policy
Behavioral Violations
Charge Code Number |
Charge Code |
5.01 |
Plagiarism – the intentional or unintentional presentation as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source without properly citing the source of the material |
5.02 |
Facilitating academic dishonesty – the intentional or knowing help or attempt to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty; or to seek answers for assignments, quizzes or tests |
5.03 |
Cheating – the intentional use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise |
Possible Administrative Sanctions
Level of Violation |
Minimum Sanction |
Maximum Sanction |
Minor |
Disciplinary Warning
Instructor talks with the student about infraction.
|
Disciplinary Probation
Instructor gives a U or F on the assignment.
|
Moderate |
Disciplinary Probation/Deferred Suspension
Instructor gives a U or F on the assignment.
|
Suspension
Instructor gives a U or F for the course.
|
Major |
Suspension
Instructor gives a U or F for the course.
|
Expulsion
Instructor gives a U or F for the course.
|