Student Code of Conduct

The Alamo Colleges District developed a Student Code of Conduct that governs the student disciplinary process. The Student Code of Conduct describes prohibited behaviors, potential sanctions for violations of the Code of Conduct, and the process for adjudicating alleged violations. All students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct can be found online:

Resources

7 Student Conduct Facts

The Student Code of Conduct is an Alamo Colleges board policy that covers non-academic misconduct, academic integrity issues, and the disciplinary and appeal process.
The Student Code of Conduct is supported by the Alamo Colleges' Value of Respect for All.
Did you know you agreed to follow the Student Code of Conduct and other college rules simply by applying to Palo Alto College?

The act of applying to be an Alamo Colleges student is an explicit acceptance of the Alamo Colleges' policies, procedures, regulations, and administrative rules.
The Alamo Colleges uses a unified system for reporting conduct violations. If you are found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct at one campus, it could follow you to another campus.
If you are found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, you could be removed from your class, referred to educational enrichment workshops, placed on probation, suspended, or expelled.
If it is included in your class syllabus, it is part of the Student Code of Conduct. If your instructor believes the advisement or classroom management described in the syllabus has not been effective, you may be cited for Engaging in Disruptive or Threatening Behavior in the Classroom.
The Student Code of Conduct disciplinary process is not intended to punish students, but rather to foster a learning environment of thoughtful study and discourse, protect the interests of the Alamo Colleges community, and challenge behavior that is not in accordance with the code.

Video/Trainings

Student Conduct 101

FAQs

When do I file an Incident Reporting Form?

Anytime you are concerned a Student Code of Conduct violation has taken place, Academic or Non-Academic Misconduct. If you see something, tell someone.

It is the Office of Student Conduct’s job to review and assess all reports that come in.

If it is an emergency and you fear for your safety or the safety of others please call Alamo Colleges Police Department 210-485-0911.

Can I follow up on a report that was submitted?
A confirmation of receipt will be sent after a report is received stating that it will be investigated and addressed.

If a conduct violation is found from a report, after the student against whom the report was filed is notified, the complainant will be notified in writing that his/her complaint or allegations of non-academic misconduct have been investigated, and of the disciplinary sanctions imposed on the student who was found responsible.

What happens if it is alleged that I violated the Student Code of Conduct?
You will be sent an email to your Alamo Colleges email address stating the conduct that was reported, violations alleged and your appointment time.

If you fail to respond or do not show up for your scheduled appointment the conduct process will continue without your input and you could be found in additional violation of Obstruction of Disciplinary Process.

When was I given a copy of the Student Code of Conduct?
In your Apply Texas application you acknowledge receipt of and that you will follow the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct is available in the Palo Alto College Student Handbook.

Can I appeal a Student Conduct decision?
Yes. You have five business days after receipt of your outcome letter to submit the nature of your appeal, in writing, to Interim Vice President of Student Success, Delilah Marquez by emailing dmarquez1@alamo.edu. The letter must state if you appeal the findings, sanctions, or both, and the grounds for the appeal. After the appeal request is received, an appeal hearing or meeting will be scheduled.

What is Restorative Justice?
Restorative Justice is a student conduct sanctioning practice that asks the responsible student to accept responsibility, repair the harm they caused, and rebuild trust. Restorative Justice is used at Palo Alto College to ensure responsible students can remain in our community and be successful.